Canada beats Cuba 53-40, remains unbeaten entering FIBA Americas semifinals

XALAPA, Mexico – Forward Tamara Tatham had a game-high 17 points and nine rebounds, and Canada’s women’s basketball team defeated Cuba 53-40 on Wednesday and finish the group stage undefeated at the FIBA Americas Championship for Women.

Guard Kia Nurse added 13 points, four rebounds and three assists as Canada finished with a record of 4-0, good for first in Group A. Canada will play the second-place team from Group B in Friday’s semifinals.

The top three teams in Mexico earn a spot in the 2014 world tournament in Istanbul.

Canada had been convincing in its first three wins of the tournament, but started sluggish against Cuba and trailed 17-9 after the first quarter.

Canada’s shooters started to find their form in the second quarter, outscoring Cuba 32-13 and taking a 32-30 lead into halftime.

Canada went cold in the third with just eight points, but still managed to pad its lead. The Canadian defence held Cuba to a single basket in the quarter.

The Canadians closed the match by winning the fourth quarter 13-8.