Photo Couresy of:

Canada basketball

U19 Men's National Team Leads From Wire to Wire, Winning Second Straight at Fiba World Championship, 93-36 Over Tunisia

/

Jun 28, 2015

Toronto, ON - Canada's U19 Men's National Team battled Tunisia this morning in Heraklio Greece for their second match-up of the 2015 FIBA World Championship. Canada was dominant throughout, going on multiple scoring runs while managing to hold the Tunisian FG% to under 20% for the entirety of the game. It was clear early on that Tunisia was outclassed by the Canadian squad, as the red and white coasted to the 93-36 victory, improving to 2-0 in FIBA World Championship action.

The first quarter saw Canada explode out of the gate, dominating from the outset. Canada began the first quarter on a 13-0 run, effectively putting Tunisia on their heels immediately. Canada was led in the first by sharpshooter Corey Johnson (Ottawa, ON) who went 3-3 from three-point land, helping push the red and white to a 21-9 lead heading into the second frame. Canada shot 58% in the opening quarter while Tunisia struggled from the floor, connecting on only 20% of their shots (2-20 FG).

The second quarter began just like the first, with Canadian dominance. The Canucks began the quarter on a jaw-dropping 33-0 run, fueled by terrific defense, great ball movement and amazing shooting. Canada held Tunisia to just 2 points in the quarter, which came as free throws in the final seconds of the frame. Corey Johnson (Ottawa, ON) continued his hot shooting from downtown, connecting on two more 3-balls before the half. By halftime Canada was shooting 55.6% (20-36 FG), while holding Tunisia to just 6.5% (2-31 FG), 0-18 FG from inside the three-point arch. Canada had a stranglehold on the game, leading 54-11 going into the break.

In the third both teams came slightly back to reality. It was a much more balanced, back-and-forth quarter that saw Tunisia finally start to find some offensive flow. Canada's hot shooting continued however, as they carried a 74-21 lead heading into the fourth.

In the final frame Tunisia continued to find their offensive flow, as Canada began to take their foot off the gas. However, it was far too little, far too late for Tunisia as Canada still managed to outscore their opponent 19-15 in the quarter, cruising to the 93-36 win.

Canada was led by Jalen Poyser's (Malton, ON) 22 points (9-25 FG) & 8 rebounds & Corey Johnson's (Ottawa, ON) 21 points (7-10 3FG). Drew Urquhart (Vancouver, BC) chipped in with 10 points (4-6 FG), 7 rebounds & 3 blocks, and Jadon Cohee (Langly, BC) added 9 points, 7 rebounds & 7 assists of his own.

Head Coach Roy Rana played 10 guys vs Tunisia, giving starters Dillon Brooks (Mississauga, ON) & Justin Jackson (Scarborough, ON) some much deserved rest. Rana touched on the value of giving the reserves heavier minutes:

''Canada today got a chance to play a lot of guys and get them some international experience. Hopefully we can continue to perform at a high level this Tuesday against Italy''

For a full boxscore, click here.

Canada's next challenge comes on Tuesday June 30th 2015 at 11:15am EST where they are set to face Italy. Stay tuned to @CanBball on twitter for live stream and live statistics links.

For full team roster and coaching staff, click here.

Ceci est disponible egalement en francais. Contactez Bailey Williams ci-dessous pour l'obtenir.

For more information, please contact:
Bailey Williams
Manager, Communications
E-mail: bwilliams@basketball.ca
Cell: 647-460-7976

About Canada Basketball:

Canada Basketball is a private, not-for-profit corporation committed to excellence in leading the growth of the game domestically and in pursuing medal performances on the international stage.