Team Canada stays undefeated (6-0) in FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifying with an emphatic 113-67 win over the U.S. Virgin Islands.
From over 7000 people in attendance at the FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton on Friday, to a quarter full university gym, the atmosphere couldn’t have felt more different. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened the scoring once again with a step back jumper and the Canadians were off to the races with a 28-8 lead after the first quarter.
While the big names shined bright for basketball on Friday – and Gilgeous-Alexander was spectacular with 24 points, three rebounds and three assists – some new names got some time to contribute on Monday night.
Obradoiro CAB guard and Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) alumni, Kassius Robertson, came in off the bench and equalled Gilgeous-Alexander’s 24 points by hitting eight three-point shots. Thomas Scrubb also came in as a reserve to add 13 points while shooting 75 per cent from long range.
Dwight Powell turned it on in the third quarter to turn in another solid performance with 15 points and six rebounds and Kelly Olynyk had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker played more on ball this game had 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
Canada cheers a play vs. U.S. Virgin Islands (Courtesy FIBA)
Seven foot four Zach Edey saw more time in this game, getting put into the game midway through the third quarter with three other NBA players on the floor with him at the same time. The game was well in hand by the time Edey hit the floor, but his size was immediately noticeable as the Virgin Islands struggled to find anyone to guard him in the post, leading to multiple open threes.
Edey ended the night with six points, three blocks and two rebounds.
This game was the final of the third window of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, and the final three are set to take place August 22-30, Nov 7-15 and Feb. 20-28, with the final two happening during the NBA season. Canada will face Venezuela, Argentina, Panama, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas in the next round.
Canada vs. Dominican Republic Boxscore click HERE.
Canada vs. Dominican Republic highlights below:
