Box Score

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan (Nov. 21, 2024) – Canada picked up right where they left off, opening the second window of the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers with a decisive 88-71 win over the Dominican Republic at Sasktel Centre.

It was a somber tone to start tonight’s game, as Canada honoured 3x3 and Senior Men’s National Team athlete, Chad Posthumus, who tragically passed earlier this week, with black patches on their jerseys that read “CP.”

“He’s a member of the family,” said Trae Bell-Haynes. “We play for him… Canada Basketball is a brotherhood, and when you look at the last quad… Chad was a big part of that, and we’re going to miss him. The gesture was a great touch.”

As the action tipped off, a back-and-forth affair ensued, with Canada seeing more than five players on the board within the first five minutes.

Canada led 25-18 after the first quarter, with Mfiondu Kabengele dominating on both ends of the floor, dropping a team-high 17 points, along with two statement blocks.

“I’m more comfortable making plays out of the roll,” said Kabengle after the game. “I trust the guys to get the right read… getting those uphill [dribble hand-offs], getting the ball on a touchback action, and screening away – I feel like that got me into the rhythm of the game.”

Canada began to pull away in the second quarter, jumping out to an 11-point lead after Jackson Rowe connected back-to-back from beyond the arc. Rowe followed it up with a block on the defensive end, leaving the home team up, 39-24.

Trae Bell-Haynes finished with eight points, four rebounds, and a game-high ten assists – including an alley-oop to teammate Quincy Guerrier for a big slam to help Canada stay in front.

“I think the most important part is trusting your team,” said Bell-Haynes of his double-digit assists. “...and your teammates hitting shots. I think you gain more confidence to make those risky passes once you see the first one go in.”

The Dominican Republic kept the contest within reach, led by LJ Figueroa’s 18 points, keeping the visitors within ten points. Canada entered the half with a healthy 12-point lead.

Coming out of the break, Canada hit the gas pedal. Thomas Kennedy hit the two-hand slam to give the team a burst of energy as the lead continued to climb.

This carried into the fourth quarter, when Jackson Rowe opened with a three-pointer, followed by an emphatic slam by Fardaw Aimaq to give Canada a 72-47 lead.

Aimaq, who finished with seven points, shot an efficient 3-of-4 from the floor in his national team debut. Head Coach Nathaniel Mitchell spoke of the “togetherness” he saw from the mix of newer and older players on the roster despite minimal practice days leading into today’s matchup.

“I thought it was seamless, the young guys that came in, and I think that’s a testament to how we’re building our Federation,” said Mitchell. “We had three guys that were on our U19 gold medal team [in 2017] get a chance to play up with our Senior Men’s National Team.”

The lead never got within ten points for the rest of the game, and Canada secured the 17-point win. 

Canada is now 3-0 in the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers. They have a chance to remain undefeated in their next matchup against Mexico on Sunday, November 24th, at 2:00 pm C.T. / 3:00 pm E.T. live on Sportsnet.