Canada used another strong second half to top Latvia 101-75 Tuesday and finish atop Group H at the FIBA World Cup with a perfect 3-0 record.
It’s the first time that Canada has ever won its group in a FIBA World Cup.
The Canadians trailed the sharp-shooting Latvians for all but one second of the first half, but then started the third quarter on a 10-2 run to open up a lead that they would hold for the remainder of the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to be Canada’s go-to guy, scoring 16 of his game-high 27 points in the third quarter to push his team to victory. RJ Barrett chipped in with 22 points of his own.
The Canadians’ depth was also on display throughout the contest, as head coach Jordi Fernández played nine different players during the important minutes, including former Carleton Ravens standout Phil Scrubb who came in and knocked down two huge threes to contribute to Canada’s dominate second half.
Canada’s next game will take place on Friday, with its opponent still to be determined. The Canadians’ opponent will be determined after Group G wraps up group play on Wednesday. Spain has already clinched a spot in the next round, while Brazil is favoured to be the second team through.
Latvia will also advance to the second round after finishing second to Canada in Group H.
The win Tuesday was an important one for Canada, as records from the first round carry through to the second round.
