Canada still alive in Olympic women’s basketball

Bridget Carleton and her teammates know their Olympic journey isn't over.

LILLE, France – Bridget Carleton and her teammates know their Olympic journey isn’t over.

Canada’s start in the women’s basketball tournament has been rocky, with the team dropping games to host France and world No. 3 Australia in group play.

Still, the squad has a chance to make it through to the quarterfinals, and Carleton said that’s what they’re focusing on ahead of Sunday’s game against Nigeria.

“It’s still in our control,” the Chatham, Ont., forward said after Canada’s practice Saturday. “One more game and you never know what can happen. So we’re just kind of locked in on that.”

The world No. 5 Canadians can clinch second in their group if they beat Nigeria by 10 or more points on Sunday and France beats Australia later that day. A second-place result guarantees a spot in the knockout round.

A third-place finish also has the potential to get them there, as long as they’re one of the two best third-place teams in the 12-team, three-group tournament.

Finishing third still requires a win over 12th-ranked Nigeria — a team that shocked Australia with a 75-62 win to open the tournament. It was the first time in 20 years Nigeria’s women’s team posted an Olympic victory.

The Canadians knew coming in just how tough the opposition would be, Carleton said.