By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
By playing smarter and scoring the necessary baskets down the stretch, Canada advanced to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament Final, after bettering New Zealand 78 – 72, in Manila.
Captain Cory Joseph did everything for his team with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Tristan Thompson registered a double-double of 13 points plus 10 rebounds. Melvin Ejim also had 13 points and, more importantly, he was the one to produce the key play of the match.
With the score 74 – 71 and 20 seconds to go, he grabbed an offensive rebound, scoring the basket and winning the foul. By making his shot from the line he completed a three-point play that more or less sealed the final outcome in favor of his team.
Neither Tai Webster’s double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, nor Corey’s (Tai’s brother) 23 points were enough for New Zealand. Thomas Abercrombie also had a solid game with 16 points plus 6 rebounds.
The two teams were really close for the vast majority of the game and it was obvious that the winner will be decided in the last minute details. After a 71 – 71 tie and 3:38 left on the clock, Canada made a 6-0 run for the 77 – 71 with 20 seconds remaining. Too few New Zealand to change its fate.