Image courtesy of FIBA Americas

The Senior Men’s National Team (SMNT) fell short in a disappointing 81-74 loss to the Dominican Republic at the FIBA Americas Championship for Men. Canada’s record is now 3-3 with one game remaining in the second round of competition.

The contest started close with both teams scoring back-to-back buckets. The momentum continued until the half-way mark of the quarter where Canada opened up the floor tearing down the Dominican defense. Canada led by 10 points with the score of 28-18 at the end of the first quarter. The Dominican Republic responded with a 10-point run to open the second quarter tying the game at 28-28. Canada came back with energy finishing the half with back-to-back triples trailing the Dominican Republic 45-44.

The game remained close throughout the third quarter with both teams playing with great determination and pride. The Dominican Republic team were on the rise at the end of the third quarter leading 59-57. The fourth quarter was swept away from the Canadians as the Dominicans came out strong shooting 57% overall. Turn overs got the best of Team Canada as they were defeated 81-74 in a hard-fought match.

Team Canada was led by Andrew Nicholson scoring a game-high 29 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. The power forward had an outstanding performance after some foul trouble against Venezuela on Friday. Nicholson is averaging 12.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in the competition. Tristan Thompson of Brampton, Ont. added 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Pickering, Ont. native Cory Joseph added 13 points and dished out 4 assists. The game’s statistics are available here.

"It was a close game all the way to the end. They shot extremely well and unfortunately our defense let us down," said head coach Jay Triano. "This is valuable experience for our young players. They’re adapting to the physicality of the international game.”

Coach Triano emphasized that, “Right now, we must focus on tomorrow’s game. We’ve got to play the best that we can.” The SMNT continue their efforts of the FIBA Americas Championship for Men on Sunday against Argentina with the game tipping off at 2:00 p.m. (ET). Argentina currently holds the same 3-3 record in the competition.

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