CADET MEN BOUNCE BACK WITH 92-81 WIN OVER CHINA

(Toronto, Ont. August 15 2014) – Canada will have an opportunity to play for fifth-place after defeating China in classification round play, 92-81, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

''Good bounce back win for us today. We came out with energy right from the top and kept it up throughout the game,” said head coach Dave DeAveiro.

“Tomorrow's opponent - France or Puerto Rico - will be a tough battle for 5th. All 3 teams are familiar with each other so it will definitely be a battle."

The first quarter began slowly for the Cadet team, as the team was able to get to the rim but could not finish. China used threes and free throws to gain a one-point advantage at the end of the opening period, 21-20.

Canada would separate from China in the second, dropping a game-high 28 points as they found their touch in the paint. The Cadets were able to break down perimeter defenders and continued to get to the basket, finishing more efficiently when they got there. At the half, Canada held a 48-41 advantage.

Canada used the same formula in the third and fourth quarters, experiencing similar results. Able to maintain a double-digit margin for the second half, the Cadets comfortably won 92-81.

Eddie Ekiyor (Ottawa, Ont.) led Canada in scoring and rebounding, finishing with 21 points on 10-15 shooting while pulling down nine rebounds. Jamal Murray (Kitchener, Ont.) acted as the offence facilitator; logging five assists in the game.

The final game of the tournament for the Cadet men’s national team will be against the winner of the France-Puerto Rico game. Tip-off time is to be determined.

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