By Joe Apu
Canada’s women’s basketball team is out of the Paris Olympics courtesy of Nigeria’s 79-70 win on Sunday.
Nigeria, which improved to a 2-1 record, saw standout performances from Ezinne Kalu with 21 points and Elizabeth Balogun, who added 14. The Nigerians dominated early, forcing turnovers and taking a 10-2 lead midway through the first quarter. A decisive 15-0 run in the third quarter sealed Canada’s fate.
Shay Colley led the Canadian effort with 17 points, but the team was hampered by 26 turnovers.
In the game, Canada’s Kia Nurse was seen driving around Nigeria’s Promise Amukamara, in what was a determined but ultimately futile effort. The Canadians struggled throughout the preliminary round, failing to secure a win in their three matchups and finishing last in a group that included France and Australia.
Ranked fifth in the world, Canada had been anticipated to be a strong contender for a podium finish.