Canada falls to Spain in women’s Olympic basketball tune-up | CBC Sports

The Canadian women’s basketball team lost an Olympic tune-up game to Spain 61-48 on Saturday in Charleroi, France, less than two weeks to go before the start of the Paris Games.

Montreal’s Nirra Fields led Canada’s scoring with 16 points with Laeticia Amihere, of Mississauga, Ont., chipping in with nine points and seven rebounds.

Alba Torrens (11 points) and Laura Gil (10 points) powered No. 4 Spain’s offensive attack.

WATCH | Canada drops exhibition game against Spain:

The Canadians, ranked fifth, are looking to do something it hasn’t ever done in seven previous appearances at the Olympics — medal. However, with a team that bears a wealth of experience and young talent, especially at the forward spot, they could be primed to do so.

Canada, which has five WNBA players on its roster, qualified for the Games back in February at an Olympic qualifying tournament in Hungary. Canada went 1-2 but was helped out by fourth-ranked Spain defeating host Hungary 73-72 in the final game of the tournament.

WATCH | Alexander joins CBC News Network after Paris Olympic selection:

Kayla Alexander returns for 2nd Olympic Games as Canada unveils women’s basketball roster

Kayla Alexander of Milton, Ont., joined CBC News Network on the day Canada Basketball announced their 12-women roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Canada’s roster

• Natalie Achonwa (Guelph, Ont.)
• Kayla Alexander (Milton, Ont.)
• Laeticia Amihere (Mississauga, Ont.)
• Bridget Carleton (Chatham, Ont.)
• Shay Colley (Brampton, Ont.)
• Aaliyah Edwards (Kingston, Ont.)
• Yvonne Ejim (Calgary)
• Nirra Fields (Montreal)
• Sami Hill (Toronto)
• Kia Nurse (Hamilton)
• Cassandre Prosper (Montreal)
• Syla Swords (Sudbury, Ont.)