CAN - U18 men's team tops USA

Box Score

DALLAS (FIBA Americas U18 Championship) - Canada's Junior (Under 18) Men's basketball team continued their exhibition series at the Global Games in Dallas with a 68-66 victory over the USA.

Ontario guard Devoe Joseph led the Canadian scoreboard for the second game in a row tallying 21 points with six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Complementing Joseph in double-digits was fellow Ontario guard, Junior Cadougon and B.C. centre Robert Sacré with 16 and 11 points respectively.

The Canadians opened the game scoring 15 first quarter points, taking the early lead over the American team. The 15-14 first quarter lead was due to Canada's precise shooting and aggressiveness on the boards.

The USA battled hard in the second quarter, holding the Canadians to 20 points, while scoring 22 and taking a slim 36-35 lead into the locker room at the buzzer. The teams were evenly matched throughout the scoreboard, with Joseph's 14 points leading both teams at the half.

After the break, Canada came out determined to regain their lead. The team tightened their defence and capitalized on every chance offensively, slowly turning the game in their favour. A few key blocks allowed the Canadians to hold the Americans to 10 points in the quarter while scoring 12 of their own to take a 47-46 lead.

In the final quarter of the game, Canada raised their play to a new level executing on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Canada outscored their opponents 21-20, holding their lead and securing victory.

"This was a very important win for this team," commented Head Coach Greg Francis. "We have been very good with preparation, and it is great to build our confidence with this win over a strong basketball nation."

Joseph, Sacré, and Scott Brittain led the team in rebounds with six a piece, while Cadougon paced the Canadians with six assists.

Leading scorers for the US team were Lawrence Gilbert who posted a game-high 28 points, Dale Vanwright with 15 points and Andy Polka with 10 and 12 rebounds for the double-double.

Canada's next game is Thursday June 22 against the Ukraine. After the Global Games in Dallas wrap-up June 24th, the team will travel to San Antonio for the Under 18 FIBA America World Championship Qualification Tournament, June 28-July 2.

Canada has been placed in pool "B" for the qualification championship in San Antonio and will play preliminary round games against Puerto Rico (June 28th), Bahamas (June 29th) and Argentina (June 30th).

The United States, Uruguay, Brazil and the Dominican Republic are also competing in the tournament in pool "A".

The top two finishing teams from each group will advance to the July 1st medal semi-finals while the bottom two finishing teams will play in the classification semi-finals. The finals and the final classification games will be played on July 2nd.

Schedule

Global Games Exhibition Series
Monday, June 19, 2006 4 p.m.
Serbia vs. Canada (L 98-69)

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 8 p.m.
Canada vs. USA (W 68-66)

Thursday, June 22, 2006 4 p.m.
Ukraine vs. Canada

Friday, June 23, 2006 2 p.m.
Canada vs. Africa

FIBA Americas Championship Qualifier Schedule
June 28, 2006
Argentina vs. Bahamas
Canada vs. Puerto Rico
Brazil vs. Dominican Republic
Uruguay vs. USA

June 29, 2006
Puerto Rico vs. Argentina
Bahamas vs. Canada
Uruguay vs. Brazil
Dominican Republic vs. USA

June 30, 2006
Argentina vs. Canada
Puerto Rico vs. Bahamas
Dominican Republic vs. Uruguay
USA vs. Brazil

Canada Basketball