The 2024 Summer Olympics are underway, and of the 22 former Kentucky Wildcats participating, three are playing for Canada in men’s basketball.
On Saturday, Team Canada faced Greece in their opening round match-up, and got a 86 – 79 victory. They held on for the win despite Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 34 points to lead all scorers, and Greece putting together a second half rally.
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Canada was led by R.J. Barrett’s 23 points, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was integral to the win. He scored 21 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range, while adding 7 assists and 5 rebounds.
Jamal Murray struggled from deep, but added 8 points and 3 assists off the bench. Trey Lyles didn’t score any points, but had 3 rebounds and an assist in limited playing time.
The victory was Canada’s first at the Olympics since 2000. They’ll play Australia next, on Tuesday, July 30th. Australia is one of the medal favorites, and should be a tough test for Canada.