SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic (November 27, 2017) - Canada's Senior Men's National Team closed the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers with a tough loss to the Dominican Republic on Monday night, falling 88-76.

Phil Scrubb led Canada (1-1) in scoring with 22 points to go along with seven rebounds. Dyshawn Pierre added an additional 15 of his own.  Thomas Scrubb and Brady Heslip chipped in with 10 and nine points, respectively.

Dominican Republic (2-0) used solid scoring contributions from Rigoberto Mendoza De La Rosa (25 points, 4/6 3-PT), Edward Santana Pimentel (16 points), and Victor Liz (14 points) to help earn its second win of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers and remain undefeated through the first window.

The Canadians dug themselves a hole early in the first quarter, trailing 15-5 at one point and allowing one of the Dominican Republic's primary scoring guard, Liz, to record eight quick points.

However, Canada was able to stay within striking distance due to a strong effort on the glass, out-rebounding Dominican Republic 17-9.

Olivier Hanlan provided a much needed lift coming off the bench during Canada's early scoring draught. The 6-foot-4 guard recorded five of his eight points in the first 10 minutes of action and helped trim the deficit to three (19-16) after the first frame.

Despite finishing the first quarter strong, Canada struggled to generate offence in the second quarter, totaling just 30 points after 20 minutes of play.

The struggles continued in the ensuing half for Canada, as the club was unable to stage a comeback against an unwavering Dominican Republic defence.

Canada finished the night shooting 44.8 per cent from the field and 29.6 per cent (8/27) from beyond the arc.

QUOTES

"Obviously we came out on the losing side but credit to the Dominican Republic.  They came out with alot of energy and intensity and kind of took the game to us.  They put us on our heels for most of the night.  Proud that our guys fought back and made it a better game." - Roy Rana, Head Coach.

"They came out with alot of energy.  Initially we had a tough time matching that but like (Coach Rana) said I think we fought back in the end and I think we can learn alot from this game and get better." - Phil Scrubb

UP NEXT

With the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers completed, Canada will not play again until February 22nd against the United States Virgin Islands. From there, the Senior Men's National Team will play its final matchup of the second window on February 25th versus the Bahamas.

Click here for more information on the Americas Qualifiers and follow us on Twitter for the latest updates.  

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For more information, contact: Matt Walker, mwalker@basketball.ca

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