Going into Friday morning’s game against Spain, Canada had already clinched a quarterfinal spot in Paris. The team was able to fend off a game Spain squad 88-85.
Spain made a big run late - they outscored Canada 29-24 in the fourth quarter - getting within two, 82-80, after former NBA guard Alex Abrines made as free throw. On the next Canadian possession, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drove, attracted the help defense, and found R.J. Barrett in the corner, who drilled a crucial three-pointer. The triple put the Canadians up 85-80. Sergio Llul connected on a three-point make with three seconds left, but the attempt was frivolous as Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored a game-high 20 points, hit two free-throws and Llul’s last attempt was a half-court heave that was off the mark.
The win allowed Canada to finish a perfect 3-0 in group play, a big feather in the cap for a country that was in a difficult group and playing in their first summer Olympics since 2000.
Barrett scored 16 points on an efficient 6-for-10 from the field, and Dillon Brooks scored 13.
For Spain, Dario Brizuela played a strong game off the bench scoring a team-high 17 on 7-for-9 shooting. Llul finished with 13, Abrines 12, and Jaime Pradilla and Willy Hernangomez 10. Memphis Grizzlies’ big man Santi Aldama had 11 rebounds, but struggled from the floor going 2-for-8 with 7 points.
In other action on Friday, Brazil took care of Japan 102-84, Greece defeated Spain 77-71 - Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 20 points - and Germany handled France 85-71.
The United States faces Puerto Rico at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, while Serbia and South Sudan meet at 3 p.m.
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