Canada Basketball – OTTAWA, ON (July 2, 2018) – Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team defeated the U.S. Virgin Islands 99-69 on Monday at the Arena at TD Place in Ottawa.  With the win, Canada finishes the first round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers with a 5-1 record and secures first place in Group D.

Click here for the full roster.

Cory Joseph gave everything for Team Canada, playing 22 minutes and finishing with 11 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal.  He was one of five players to finish in double-digits against the U.S. Virgin Islands as Kelly Olynyk, Phil Scrubb, Dillon Brooks and R.J. Barrett all finished with more than 10 points.

Canada found themselves in a battle beginning with the opening tip.  Fast paced offence and denial of mid-range shots made it hard for Canada to get into a rhythm and forced them to adjust to get opportunities.  With the lead not expanding beyond five points throughout the first quarter, Canada found themselves leading 20-16 at the opening 10 minutes of play.  Points in the paint were key for Canada against a shot denying U.S. Virgin Islands squad, scoring 12 of their 20 points around the basket.

Canada outscored U.S. Virgin Islands 16-10 in the first five minutes of the second quarter, expanding their lead to ten and establishing a rhythm.  Adjusting to their opponents downhill style of play, Canada tightened up defensively and thanks to Joseph’s nine points in the opening half, led the Virgin Islands 46-34 heading into the third quarter.

The bench played a big role in Canada’s efforts throughout the first half and carried that momentum into the third quarter as well.  With 18 points off the bench compared to just nine from the Virgin Islands, Canada’s depth in all aspects was the difference maker.  Leading 77-50 heading into the fourth, Canada never looked back on their way to a 99-69 victory. 

Click here for the box score.

UP NEXT

Canada has qualified for the next round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers which will resume in September.  For the second round, Canada finds themselves in Group F and face three new teams on a home-and-away basis.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China will be the biggest edition of FIBA’s flagship event with a record 32 participating teams.

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