XALAPA, Mexico (CMC):

Jamaica's women basketballers lost to Canada 75-37 in their opening game of the 2013 FIBA Americas Championships in Mexico Sunday night.

The Canadians played an impressive first quarter, dominating on both ends of the court, to lead 21-17.

poor shooting

However, the Jamaicans rebounded with a robust second quarter to muscle their way back into contention, benefiting from close-range shots and poor shooting and out-scoring the Canadians.

Canada, though scoring 12 points to Jamaica's 18 in that period, held on to the lead 33-25 at the interval.

The North Americans continued to control the pace of the game to lead 54-29 at the third quarter and to finish with a convincing 38-point win.

Jamaica's best scorer was the player/coach Simone Edwards, with 12 points, while Kimberly Gaucher scored 15 points for the winners.

Jamaica have a rest day today while Canada face Chile.