CAN/PAN - Canada stays alive after beating Panama

SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Canada stayed alive for a FIBA World Championship berth after winning over Panama 97-65 on day three of the Quarterfinals in the FIBA Americas Championship.

Andy Rautins led Canada with 23 points as he shot 5-7 from three point range. Carl English followed with 16 points, Jesse Young 14 and Olu Famutimi 10.

Canada is 2-4 with 8 points and plays against the Dominican Republic tomorrow. Panama is 1-5 and already eliminated from a FIBA World Championship berth.

The Panamanians jumped to an early lead but Canada made a 12-2 run in the final minutes to finish up 22-15. Carl English led Canada with 10 points and for Panama Danilo Pinnock along with Joel Tesis 5 each.

In the second quarter Canada continued sharp from long distance led by English and Jermaine Bucknor to end 45-24. English had 14 points and Bucknor 8.

The Canadians continued to dominate on all aspects in the second half, especially in the paint where Jesse Young had another efficient performance.

At the end Canada shot 23-24 from the free throw line for an incredible 96%. They also made 12 three pointers and 31 field goals.

Danilo Pinnock led Panama with 21 points and Jaime Lloreda 17 with 10 rebounds.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

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