UConn sophomore guard Kia Nurse had 10 points and one rebound as Canada opened play in the FIBA Americas Championship with a 94-57 win over Puerto Rico.

Four Canadian players scored in double figures led by Kim Gaucher who had 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Puerto Rico is playing without star Carla Cortijo, who was injured in a game against the United States in the Pan Am Games and not on the roster. Former Kentucky star Jen O'Neil and Marie Placido had 12 points each while Meriden native Damika Martinez added 10 points.

Next up for Canada is a game against Chile, which opened with an 88-56 win over the Dominican Republic. The game will be played on Monday at 8:30 p.m. Canada needs to finish in the top two in Group A to advance to the semifinals.

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the Olympics. If Brazil, one of the favorites to win Group B, wins the title then the second-place team will get the automatic berth since Brazil was awarded a spot in the tournament.