Just three days after clinching a berth in the 2024 Olympic Games, Canada made more history on Wednesday by defeating Slovenia in the quarterfinals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced 31 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead Canada to the 100-89 win. RJ Barrett added 24 points and nine rebounds, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dillon Brooks had 14 points apiece.
With the victory, the Canadians are assured their highest finish at the FIBA Basketball World Cup after advancing to the semifinals for the first time in program history.
The national team previously finished sixth twice (1978, 1982).
For the first time in Senior Men’s National Team history, Canada will finish top-four at the #FIBAWC
A historic run from a special team.#WinForCanada | #OneTeam https://t.co/NosFlrJVQ0
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) September 6, 2023
The Canadians clinched their first appearance in the Olympics since 2000 on Sunday by defeating Spain, 88-85. The team overcame a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit as Gilgeous-Alexander produced 13 of his 30 points in the period to down the top-ranked team in the world.
Canada (5-1) faces Serbia (5-1) in the semifinals on Friday in Manila, Philippines (4:45 a.m. EDT, ESPN+). It will mark the first time the two countries have met as they look to make it to the finals and play either Germany or the United States.
Gilgeous-Alexander & Co. are 5.5-point favorites to win on Friday.
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