Canada loses to Cuba in FIBA regional final, but still heading to 2014 worlds

XALAPA, Mexico – Canada’s women’s basketball team had to settle for a silver medal after losing 79-71 to Cuba in the FIBA Americas championship final on Saturday.

Forward Tamara Tatham of Brampton, Ont., was the high-scorer for Canada with 25 points. Tatham went 10-for-13 from the field, and was 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

Miranda Ayim of London, Ont., was the only other Canadian in double figures with 13 points.

Oyanaisy Gelis finished with 19 points to lead four Cubans in double figures.

Cuba led 20-15 after the first quarter, 45-30 at the half, and 58-47 after three.

Brazil defeated Puerto Rico 66-56 to earn the bronze medal, and the region’s third spot in the world’s.

Canada, which finished the tournament 5-1, already clinched a spot in the 2014 world championships in Turkey with a 73-48 semifinal win over Puerto Rico on Friday.