Illinois women’s basketball will be represented on both sides of the bracket this Saturday, with Brazil and Canada moving on to the semifinals of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Aaliyah Guyton and Lety Vasconcelos helped Brazil advance with a win over Argentina. Cearah Parchment and Canada stayed undefeated after beating host Mexico.
Guyton leads Brazil past Argentina.
Brazil faced a close finish against Argentina, but a strong second quarter and clutch late-game free throws secured their five-point
win.
Brazil trailed 12-7 in the first quarter, then went on a 15-0 run to turn the game around. They built a 12-point lead and went into halftime up 36-27.
Argentina came back to tie the game at 50 with just over four minutes left, but Guyton quickly put Brazil ahead again with free throws. Brazil kept the lead for the rest of the game.
Guyton finished with nine points, four rebounds, and a team-high six assists across 32 minutes. She also went 5-for-6 at the free-throw line.
With this win, Guyton and Vasconcelos will play in Saturday’s semifinal against host Mexico.
Canada remains undefeated.
Canada also punched its ticket to the semifinals, defeating Mexico 70-64, and completing an undefeated run through group play.
Parchment played just over five minutes, finishing with three points, one rebound, and one assist. Her points came from a three-pointer.
The performance followed Parchment’s nine-point, six-rebound effort in Canada’s 85-38 rout of the Philippines. Canada has now won all three of its games in Guadalajara.
Canada will play New Zealand in the semifinal on Saturday.
Illini could meet with Olympic qualifying berth on the line.
Saturday brings an exciting possibility for Illinois fans.
Brazil plays Mexico at 9:30 p.m. local time, and Canada faces New Zealand at 6:30 p.m. The winners will move on to Sunday’s championship game.
That means victories by Brazil and Canada would set up an Illini-filled final, with Guyton and Vasconcelos on one side and Parchment on the other. The winner would earn a spot in one of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in February 2028.
Best of luck to Guyton, Vasconcelos, and Parchment as all three Illini continue their international journeys with a championship opportunity ahead.
