Canada has advanced to the semifinals at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup for the first time since 1986.
After going 4-1 in first-round play, Canada hammered Puerto Rico 79-60 in quarterfinal action on Thursday in Australia.
The Canadians will be heavy underdogs in the semis on Friday (3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT on Sportsnet) against the top-ranked United States. The Americans defeated Serbia 88-55 in the first quarterfinal.
The Americans have won 28 consecutive games in World Cup play since losing to the Russians in the 2006 semis — the tournament is held quadrennially.
Canada will try to win its first medal since capturing bronze in 1986. That result matched its previous best of third in 1979.
Kia Nurse led Canada with 17 points, one of five players to score in double figures for her team. Bridget Carleton had 15, while Laeticia Amihere and Natalie Achonwa had 12 apiece. Kayla Alexander had 13 rebounds for Canada.
Canada jumped out to a 26-11 lead after the first quarter and never was threatened.
China faces France and Belgium meets Australia in the other quarterfinals.
