Canada suffers 20-point loss to Spain in final Olympic women’s basketball exhibition

Megan Gustafson had 17 points and nine rebounds as Spain thumped Canada 68-48 in the countries’ final tune-up ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Queralt Casas added 20 points for the fourth-ranked Spaniards, who open the women’s tournament at the Games on Sunday against No. 2 China.

Kayla Alexander led the way for Canada with 10 points. Aaliyah Edwards chipped in with eight points and 14 rebounds.

The fifth-ranked Canadians play hosts France — No. 7 in the world — on Monday in Lille.

WATCH | Canada drops pre-Olympic contest to host Spain:

Canada, which was coming off Tuesday’s 77-74 victory over No. 3 Australia, shot just 34 per cent from the floor. Spain shot 46 per cent.

The Canadians didn’t make it out of the group stage at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, finishing with a 1-2 record.

Gustafson scored 10 of her 17 points in Wednesday’s second quarter as Spain built a 33-21 lead at the half and 48-38 through 30 minutes.

Spain scored the first two baskets of the fourth quarter to extend its lead to 14 points.

The Canadians, who were unable to string together enough stops to get back in the game, turned the ball over 20 times compared to 12 by Spain.

Canada’s Olympic roster

• Natalie Achonwa (Guelph, Ont.)
• Kayla Alexander (Milton, Ont.)
• Laeticia Amihere (Mississauga, Ont.)
• Bridget Carleton (Chatham, Ont.)
• Shay Colley (Brampton, Ont.)
• Aaliyah Edwards (Kingston, Ont.)
• Yvonne Ejim (Calgary)
• Nirra Fields (Montreal)
• Sami Hill (Toronto)
• Kia Nurse (Hamilton)
• Cassandre Prosper (Montreal)
• Syla Swords (Sudbury, Ont.)