World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Edwards has game-high 22 points, 15 rebounds as Canada drops 66-62 decision to Japan

Aaliyah Edwards (190-F-2002, college: UConn) scored a game-high 22 points and added 15 rebounds as Canada dropped a 66-62 decision to Japan on Sunday at the FIBA women’s basketball World Cup qualifying tournament. Edwards finished eight-of-11 from the field for Canada (2-2). Shaylisha Colley (176-G-1996, college: Michigan St.) and Kayla Alexander (193-C-1991, college: Syracuse) both added 12 points. Mai Yamamoto (163-PG-1999) led Japan (1-2) with 16 points. The contest was a close one with Canada leading 21-18 after the first quarter before the two teams went into halftime tied 39-39. Japan took a 54-50 lead into the fourth which was the final margin of victory as both teams scored 12 points in the final quarter. The loss was a big one for Canada. A victory would’ve automatically qualified the Canadians for the World Cup, which runs from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin, Germany. Canada takes on Australia (3-0) on Tuesday.
Courtesy of: lethbridgenewsnow.com