CANADA DEFEATS CHINA IN GAME TWO OF PACIFIC RIM BASKETBALL CLASSIC
Canada Basketball – VICTORIA, B.C. (June 24, 2018) – Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team defeated China 108-72 in the second game of the Pacific Rim Basketball Classic on Sunday evening at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, B.C.
Click here for the box score.
R.J. Barrett, who was named the SIXOFOUR Life Player of the Game, finished with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists for Team Canada in the victory. Fellow Montverde Academy standout Andrew Nembhard wasn’t far behind contributing 18 points and 3 assists of his own.
Canada was locked in on defence early against China, limiting their chances while drawing several fouls on charges. Early lockdown defence, as well as their skill offensively, helped Canada open with a 12-2 run and led 22-4 after the opening quarter. Dillon Brooks saw the ball often in the first 10 minutes and led Canada with seven points in the first quarter.
Punishing China by pushing the pace, Team Canada continued to extend their lead, forcing China to shift their defence from zone to more paint-heavy protection. While China saw more chances around the basket during the second quarter, Team Canada carried a 24-point advantage heading into halftime.
Canada’s dominance continued in the second half as they were locked in from beyond the arc, knocking down 20 three-pointers for the game, as they cruised to the 108-72 victory.
Click here for full team roster.
QUOTES
“I liked our defensive intensity. I think we have to be a little bit more better with our communication on defence. As the game went on today, I thought we let them kind of get some open looks that we usually do a pretty good job of taking away.” – Jay Triano, Head Coach.
“It’s my first time out here in B.C. and the fans have been amazing the last two games. I love the environment and I’m happy to be here.” – Andrew Nembhard
“Huge honour. I try to represent my country every year if I can and I’m definitely thankful I got this opportunity.” – R.J. Barrett
UP NEXT
With two victories against China in the Pacific Rim Basketball Classic, Team Canada will now resume the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers. Canada will face Dominican Republic on June 29th at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto (Tickets), followed by the U.S Virgin Islands on July 2nd at The Arena at TD Place in Ottawa (Tickets).
For the latest updates regarding Canada Basketball and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers, follow Canada Basketball on Twitter.
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For more information, contact:
Matt Walker, mwalker@basketball.ca
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