SAITAMA, Japan (AP) – Bridget Carleton scored 18 points and Canada claimed its first victory in the women’s Olympic basketball tournament by defeating South Korea 74-53 on Thursday night.
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The Canadians were in the lead throughout the game, which was tight in the opening minutes.
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They finished the first quarter with a 16-15 advantage and came to the break in front 33-28. Canada took control of the game with a 10-0 offense to make it 49-39 after three periods.
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Natalie Achonwa finished with a double-double – 14 points and 10 rebounds – for Canada. The forward was comfortable despite the protection on his right knee, which he injured on June 12 with the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Kayla Alexander added 10 points for the Canadians.
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JiSu Park, a member of the Las Vegas Aces, scored 15 points and picked up 11 rebounds for the South Koreans. Leeseul Kang and Danbi Kim added 11 points each.
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Canada kicked off their Group A activity with a loss to Rio 2016 Bronze winner Serbia, while South Korea lost to current Olympic runners-up Spain in their first summer tournament appearance since 2008.
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Canada concludes the group stage against Spain and South Korea will face Serbia on Sunday.
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