The Canadian men’s national team dropped its last exhibition game ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Friday to the Dominican Republic in Granada, Spain.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Dominican Republic to the 94-88 win with 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. It marked his first appearance with the national team since 2013 when he represented the country in the FIBA Americas Championship.
The Canadians were paced by Luguentz Dort, who had 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Trae Bell-Haynes scored 12 points and RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks each added 10 points as Canada finished 3-2 during its exhibition schedule.
Purdue center Zach Edey, the lone college player on the team, produced six points, five rebounds and two blocked shots. His 13 minutes of action were his most with Canada ahead of the tournament.
Canada's exhibition schedule comes to a close in Granada.
Lu Dort leads the way with 13 points, while Trae Bell-Haynes finishes with 12 of his own.#FIBAWC | #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/ur2RLI8TXP
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) August 18, 2023
Canada turns its attention to the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Aug. 25 against France. The team needs to finalize its 12-man roster ahead of the tournament; it carried 15 players through the majority of training camp.
After facing France, they will continue in Group H with Lebanon on Aug. 27 and wrap up the group phase on Aug. 29 with Latvia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout round of the tournament beginning on Sept. 1
The FIBA Basketball World Cup will help seven countries qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The seven spots include the top two teams from the Americas and Europe (not including host France) and one team from Africa, Asia and Oceania.
Canada last qualified for the Olympics in 2000.
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