Team Canada was given a bit of a scare Wednesday at Rio 2016 but held on to beat Senegal in preliminary women’s basketball action.
Senegal had been outscored 222-120 through two games, but kept things close against Canada, which only managed to squeak past them 68-58.
Astou Traore shone for Senegal, finishing with a game-high 24 points in a losing effort.
Young star Kia Nurse and veteran Tamara Tatham led the charge for Canada with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
“Senegal’s a tough team to play, we anticipated that coming in,” Canadian head coach Lisa Thomaidis said in a press release. “They were going to give us some difficulty with their physicality and athleticism so we’re happy to come out with the win.”
Canada is now 3-0 in the tournament. They face the United States Friday in a game that could determine who wins Group B.
“At the end of the day, it’s great to be 3-0 at the Olympic Games,” guard Kim Gaucher added. “I think we have a lot that we can improve upon after that game.”
