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20 November, 2017
26 February, 2019
7 Melvin Ejim (CAN)
26/02/2018
Game Report
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Canada show Bahamas no mercy and clinch ticket to Second Round

NASSAU (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) — Canada had few problems to defeat an ineffective Bahamian team, 113-67, in the closing of the second window of Group D of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers, which took place at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium of the capital of the archipelago of the Bahamas.

The Canadian National Team (3-1) got their first victory in the Qualifiers, thus stepping on the toes of undefeated Dominican Republic for the leadership of their zone. They also secured, as did the Dominicans, their ticket to the second stage of the Qualifiers, which will take place in September.

As a matter of fact, Canada and the Dominican Republic won both their games this windows against US Virgin Islands (1-3) and Bahamas (0-4) by more than 28 points, which leaves them in a good position to compete against each other for the group’s first place next June.

Brady Heslip led Canada’s offensive with 19 points, followed by Melvin Ejim with 15, and Kyle Landry with 14 points and eight rebounds. The North Americans achieved 16 three-point scores, and since the second quarter frustrated all hopes of Bahamas bringing a surprise.

“We knew that it was going to be a challenge to play against the home team. The coach prepared us and we improved in some things we didn't do in the first game. We played good defense, scored shots and got the win.”Brady Heslip (CAN)Brady Heslip (CAN)

Jaraun Burrows was the Bahamas’ best with 17 points, but only did two in the second half. Michael Carey achieved 15 and Eugene Bain 11. Alonzo Hinds contributed five rebounds and four assists for Bahamas, who are nearing the elimination from the group.

After a level first quarter, Canada stepped on the gas and, with a good distance aim, beat the locals off their court in the first half by 21. Eventually, this added up to their second win against the Bahamas in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Canada threatened with leaving the game early by starting with a 12-2 difference that caused Bahama's trainer Mario Bowleg to call for a time-out to question his players about their poor tip off.

Bowleg's words were successful, and the Bahamas elevated their game level for the rest of the quarter and reduced the difference in points, 25-21, at the segment's close.

However, during the second quarter, Canada were very precise in the long-distance and started to widen the gap. With a three-pointer by Heslip, with 6 minutes left to play in the second quarter, the Canadians drove away, 36-23, and continued to increase their number.

Canada ended the first half with nine three-point shots and left for the locker room with a considerable advantage, 50-29, thanks to Heslip’s 14 points and Ejim's 11. Burrows was the only consistent player for the Bahamian side, scoring 15 points.

The North American squad will play their two games of the third window as locals; on June 29 against Dominican Republic, in Toronto; and on July 2 against US Virgin Islands, in Ottawa.

For their part, Bahamas will close the initial stage of the Qualifiers playing as visitors against Virgin Islands (June 28) and then, Dominican Republic (July 2). Bahamas must win on the last window, especially against the Virgin Islanders, if they want to keep their options open to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 China.
The best three of Group D will move forward to the second part of the Qualifiers that begin next September.

FIBA