Cuba's Marlem Cepeda challenges Canada's Krista Phillips (R) for the ball during their FIBA Americas Championship women's basketball game in Neiva October 1, 2011. REUTERS/John VizcainoJohn Vizcaino/Reuters
Canadian head coach Allison McNeill says she learned a lot about her team at the FIBA Americas Championship women's basketball tournament.
Canada wrapped up the Olympic qualifying tournament with a 59-46 win over Cuba on Saturday in the third-place game.
McNeill's team rebounded from Friday's disappointing semifinal loss to Argentina to finish the event on a high note.
"We came down here and some of our younger players had never played in a tournament of this magnitude and I think it was real growth period for some of them," McNeill said. "I think we've learned that we are a world-class defensive team. We can guard good teams."
Brazil hammered Argentina 74-33 in the gold-medal game later Saturday.
Despite finishing third in Colombia, Canada took a significant step toward qualifying for the London Olympics.
Brazil gets an automatic berth at the 2012 Games, but by finishing in the top four, Canada is guaranteed a spot in the worldwide 12-team Olympic Qualifying Tournament next summer.
Despite the positives, McNeill says there are areas her players must improve if the team is going to take the next step.
"I think that we've learned we have to improve our ball-handling skills," McNeill added. "We had too many turnovers here and we have to do a better job handling the ball and making better decisions."
Kim Smith of Mission, B.C., led the way for Canada with 13 points, six rebounds and four assists against Cuba. Teresa Gabriele, also of Mission, added 13 points of her own, to go along with four boards and three assists.
Saskatoon's Krista Phillips had eight points, while Chelsea Aubry of Kitchener, Ont., chipped in with a game-high seven rebounds for Canada.
McNeill was furious with the officials at the end of Friday's 61-59 loss to Argentina.
Canada led 59-56 in the final minute when Argentina hit a three-pointer to tie the score. The Canadians took a timeout and advanced the ball to halfcourt before inbounding to Hamilton's Shona Thorburn.
Argentina had two fouls to give and repeatedly attempted foul the Canadian guard. But the referees failed to make a call as Argentina instead stole the ball and went in for the winning layup.
McNeill was happy how her team put the disappointment in the past against Cuba.
"It was a tough loss last night in terms of the way it kind of went down and we really had to regroup today and they did and showed a ton of character," she said. "Cuba's a very explosive team and we just played great defence so I was very proud of them.
"You can't look back and you can't go back so I was really pleased that (Friday's loss) didn't grind our team down. They were resilient and got the bronze."