CANADA is now closer to a quarterfinals spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics men’s basketball tournament after its 93-83 victory over Australia on Tuesday at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France.
Toronto Raptors star RJ Barrett shone bright for the Canadians as he finished with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists to keep Canada as the only unbeaten team in Group A with a 2-0 record.
Barring a blowout loss to Spain and a big win for Australia on Friday, the North American squad will be through to the final eight.
After a fairly close first three quarters, the Canadians buckled up on defense in the fourth, making life hell for Australia’s brilliant guards in Josh Giddey, Patty Mills and Dyson Daniels who combined for 11 of Australia’s 18 turnovers in the game.
Barrett starred in Canada’s 11-2 run to open the fourth quarter which all but took the fight for the Boomers as they never got to within seven after.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander filled the statsheet in an ultra-efficient night as he scored 16 points on 8-10 shooting to go along with four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocked shots.
Dillon Brooks also continued his steady play for Canada as its perennial three-and-d guy with 16 points in the victory.
Giddey led the way for Australia with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists but the Boomers just couldn’t overcome a bad shooting night from their leader in Mills who was limited to just eight points on 2-10 shooting.
The boys of Brian Goorjan still have a strong shot of making it to the quarterfinals, so long as they beat the winless Greece squad this Friday, and Canada hurdles Spain.
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