Three members of Illinois women’s basketball are representing their countries in Guadalajara, Mexico, as Aaliyah Guyton, Lety Vasconcelos and Cearah Parchment compete in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament.
Guyton and Vasconcelos are representing Brazil, while Parchment is suiting up for Canada as the three Illini compete for an opportunity to move their respective countries closer to Olympic qualification.
Brazil opened tournament play against South Sudan on Monday and quickly found itself in a 24-9 first-quarter hole. Brazil spent the next three quarters working their way back, eventually using a 9-0 fourth-quarter run to turn a 48-40 deficit into a 49-48 lead.
Guyton powered the comeback with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, helping push the game into overtime. Brazil took the lead twice during the extra period before South Sudan ultimately escaped with a 63-61 victory.
Despite the loss, Guyton’s 20-point performance continued an impressive stretch for her. The Illini guard entered the tournament fresh off an All-Star Five selection at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 South American Qualifiers, where she averaged 14.4 points, five rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, ranking fourth in the tournament in scoring and sixth in assists. Guyton hit the next level when it mattered most, scoring 18 points in both the semifinal and bronze-medal game to help Brazil secure a spot on the podium.
Vasconcelos has been alongside Guyton throughout Brazil’s international run, giving the Illini two representatives on the Brazilian senior national team. The 6-foot-7 center averaged four points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.8 assists during the South American Qualifiers.
While Brazil opened with an overtime loss, Parchment and Canada started their run with a double-digit victory.
Canada defeated Senegal 72-57 after taking control during the opening quarter and leading for more than 36 minutes. Canada had an eight-point lead heading into halftime before using a 10-0 third-quarter run to pull away with the victory.
Kayla Alexander led the Canadians with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb each scored 13. Parchment also made her FIBA Senior Women’s National Team debut, grabbing one rebound in her three minutes of play.
Parchment entered the tournament averaging 8.1 points, six rebounds and 2.6 assists in international competition for Canada, continuing an extensive international career for the Illini rising sophomore.
With Brazil competing in Group A and Canada in Group B, the Illini teammates could eventually find themselves facing off against each other on August 22 or potentially play for the tournament championship on August 23.
Best of luck to Guyton, Vasconcelos and Parchment as the three Illini continue representing Brazil and Canada.