(Toronto, Ont) – Canada’s Junior Men’s National Team fought back against Team Argentina to secure their first-ever advancement to the FIBA Americas U18 Championship game in a 91-82 overtime victory.

The Canadians led for much of the game before Argentina forced overtime in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter. Team Canada weathered the storm after squandering a lead with a series of big plays and even bigger shots.

Dillon Brooks did his part by scoring a game-high 29 points, including an incredible 16-for-17 night from the foul line.

Vaughan, Ontario’s Montaque Gill-Caesar finished with 24 points and six rebounds of his own, giving the team a potent one-two punch on the wings.

Jose Vildoza, whose 26 points kept the Canadians on their toes until the final buzzer, led Argentina.

For a team that fields so many fresh faces, it is a feat in itself that this year’s squad has come together so quickly, winning its fourth consecutive game at the tournament.

“It’s a fantastic win for our country with 11 first-time Canadian National Team members,” said head coach Roy Rana o. “What an incredible growth experience for this group. We’re so happy to be playing for Gold. We haven’t been able to get over that hump for a long time so it’s beautiful to see this team do it.”

Canada will have a chance to achieve new heights at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship: a gold medal podium finish.

Team Canada will face the winner of the Monday night match-up between the USA and the Dominican Republic. Tip-off for Canada’s gold medal game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST, on June 23 where one team will be crowned the 2014 FIBA Americas U18 Champion.

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