BELÉM, BRAZIL (June 8, 2019) – Canada defeated the Dominican Republic 97-81 on Saturday evening to advance to their third consecutive finals at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2019. The squad has also qualified for the FIBA U17 World Cup 2020.

Click here for the box score.

Caleb Houstan led with 29 points, breaking the record for most points in a game by a Canadian at the FIBA U16 Americas. Earlier this week, Houstan tied the previous record of 28 points, which was held by Kevin Pangos (2009 vs. Venezuela), in Canada’s 90-67 win over Brazil.

Additionally, Ryan Nembhard added 19 points, four rebounds and 12 assists, while Shaedon Sharpe had 17 points of his own for the red and white. Jean Montero had a team high 29 points for the Dominican Republic in the loss.

Canada opened the game outscoring the Dominican Republic 30-16. The dominant first quarter was led by both Houstan and Nembhard with eight and nine points respectively.

Although the Dominican Republic outscored the Canadians 21-12 in the second quarter, the team remained in the lead as they headed into halftime. An explosive dunk from Sharpe in the last 37 seconds helped Canada to end the half 42-37 over the Dominican Republic.

Dropping another 31 points in the third quarter, Canada entered the fourth leading the Dominican Republic 73-61.

Ending the game with an impressive total of 47 fast break points, the Canadians outscored the Dominican Republic 20-24 in the fourth quarter to win the game. Canada remained undefeated at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2019.

This is Canada’s sixth appearance since the FIBA U16 Americas Championship began in 2009, with the country medalling in each of their previous five tournaments.

Click here for the roster.

UP NEXT

Canada will face either the United States of America or Argentina in the finals on Sunday, June 9 at 7:30 PM ET for gold at the FIBA U16 Americas Championships. Fans can catch the game streaming live on FIBA YouTube or the Canada Basketball Facebook page.

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