Syla Swords Leads Canada’s Charge in 85–65 Victory
Canada has clinched a spot in the semifinals of the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup after a decisive 85–65 win over Japan on Friday in Brno. Powered by a standout performance from Syla Swords, the Canadian squad moves one step closer to the gold.
Swords Shines Bright on the Global Stage
Swords, already gaining recognition as one of the tournament’s rising stars, delivered a game-high 17 points. Her confident shooting—especially her 3-of-6 success from beyond the arc—kept Canada in control throughout the game. She also added six rebounds and a steal to her stat line, continuing a consistent and efficient run that has defined her tournament performance.
Across five games, the 19-year-old guard from Sudbury, Ontario has averaged 16.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, with just two turnovers. Her long-range shooting sits at an impressive 46.7% (14-of-30), solidifying her position as a key offensive weapon for Canada.
Team Effort Powers Canadian Victory
While Swords led the charge, Canada’s win was a team effort. Jasmine Bascoe added 16 points along with three rebounds and three assists. Cearah Parchment dominated the boards with 12 rebounds, while Agot Makeer contributed 10 points and dished out a game-high five assists. Their collective energy and sharp execution gave Canada the edge on both ends of the floor.
Japan’s Otoha Goto fought hard, leading her team with 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to slow down the Canadian offense.
Australia Awaits in the Semifinals
Next up, Canada will face Australia in the semifinals. Australia secured their spot after edging Hungary 82–76 earlier on Friday. The matchup promises to be a high-stakes, high-energy battle, as both teams fight for a place in the final.
Canada’s Eyes on the Prize
As the competition intensifies, Canada’s depth, chemistry, and star power position them as serious contenders for the U19 title. With players like Swords leading by example and a balanced squad delivering across the board, the semifinals are shaping up to be must-watch basketball.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on Canada’s journey at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup.
