CANADA kept impressing in the Paris Olympics, its latest feat a well-earned 88-85 win that took down and then booted out Spain, Saturday (Philippine time) at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
Following the lead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as per usual, the Canadians rode a 49-38 second quarter run to turn a two-point, 32-34, deficit into a 49-38 halftime lead.
The Spanish kept coming and Sergio Lull's triple neared them to within one, 85-86, with three ticks to go on the clock, only to see SGA make good on both of his free throws for the final tally.
Gilgeous-Alexander wound up with 20 points to go with three rebounds and two assists to show the way in his side's sweep of pool play. They won their three games against Greece, Australia, and Spain by an average of 6.67 points, turning themselves into the undisputed top seed to come out of Group A.
Oklahoma City's superstar guard, though, also got help from the likes of Andre Nembhard and RJ Barrett who scored 18 and 16 points, respectively.
The decision not only eliminated Spain, but also gifted the Australians the second seed, even as the Greeks were already locked into No. 3.
READ: Giannis wills Greece into staying alive in Paris Olympics
Dario Brizuela paced Europe's longtime powerhouse with 17 points, with Lull and Alex Abrines providing support with 13 and 12 markers, respectively.
While the Spanish sport a similar 1-2 slate as Australia and Greece, their point differential is the worst among the three teams. This is the first time in 24 years they will be missing the Olympic quarterfinals.
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