By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Storming back from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, Canada prevailed, 88-85, versus Spain in Indonesia Arena Sunday.
Guided by Spanish tactician Jordi Fernandez, the North American national team qualified for the Quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The additional prize was securing a direct ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games, marking the country’s first Olympic berth since 2000. The other ticket from the Americas was punched in by the USA earlier in the last day of group action.
Scoring 11 of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead bucket and consecutive makes from the free-point line to seal the clinching win, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the star for Canada. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard ended up with 7/12 field goals to go with seven assists, four rebounds, and three steals lasting nearly 38 minutes.
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Dillon Brooks registered 22 points in the final World Cup fixture set in Indonesia. RJ Barrett added 16 points.
Moving to the Philippines, Canada is set to face off with Luka Doncic and Slovenia in a Quarterfinals contest scheduled for Wednesday. In contrast, defending champion Spain was eliminated and settled for ninth place in the final rankings.
Sergio Scariolo’s side was up 48-38 at halftime, behind Willy Hernangomez. However, the FC Barcelona center producing a total of 25 points was not enough to prevent the loss. Santi Aldama followed with 20 points.
When Canada came back and even went up 53 – 52, Aldama took over for Spain from close and long distance. He led the charge as his team not only recovered but reclaimed a double-digit lead to go up 73 – 61 at the end of the third period.
Even though Canada didn’t play good basketball they managed to come back again. Gilgeous-Alexander taking over in crunch time inspired a 6-0 run in crunch time, on the heels of Brooks sinking a triple to knot the game at 80-80.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL