Brazil’s run toward the lone Olympic qualifying berth available in Guadalajara came to an end in the semifinals, while Cearah Parchment and Canada moved one win away from claiming it.
Brazil eliminated as Guyton rehabs injury
Brazil fell to host Mexico 83-64 after opening the game with a 19-7 lead. Mexico erased that advantage with a 10-0 run, then took control before halftime and never gave the lead back.
Bella Nascimento led Brazil with 17 points, while Lety Vasconcelos did not play. Brazil was also without Aaliyah Guyton, who had been one
of the team’s top performers throughout the tournament.
Brazilian outlet Olimpíada Todo Dia reported that Guyton suffered a mild sprain of her right knee during Brazil’s 58-53 win over Argentina. Medical testing ruled out ligament damage, but lingering pain kept her out of the semifinal and the rest of the tournament.
Guyton finished her run in Guadalajara with three strong performances. She scored 20 points against South Sudan, followed with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals against New Zealand, then added nine points, four rebounds and six assists against Argentina.
Guyton finished her campaign abroad with 47 points across three games. This gave her an average of 15.7 points per contest, which adds on to her resume that includes All-Star Five honors from the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 South American Qualifiers.
Canada rolls into championship game
Canada had a much smoother path through its semifinal, defeating New Zealand 86-71 to remain unbeaten and earn a spot in the championship game.
The Canadians took control before halftime and stretched their lead to 30 points during the third quarter.
Parchment has been able to contribute off the bench all week. This time around, she saw 15 minutes on the floor, providing four points, five rebounds, and one block.
Canada enters the championship game unbeaten after wins over Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand. Parchment and the Canadians will once again face host Mexico, a team they defeated 70-64 in group play. This time around, there is much more on the line, as the winner will claim the tournament championship and land a spot in the 2028 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
The week will end with Guyton and Vasconcelos eliminated and Parchment competing for the championship. Congratulations to all, and good luck to Cearah Parchment in her contest against Mexico!
