Having already secured its spot in the quarterfinals, Canada simply flexed its muscle in nipping Spain, 88-85, to go undefeated in Group A action in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 men's basketball on Saturday, August 3 (Philippine time).
In the process, World No. 7 Canada eliminated the Spanish quintet, who finished fourth in the group, while also helping Australia secure direct qualification to the Last Eight.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sustained his brilliance, putting up 20 points, three rebounds and two assists to secure the Canadians' third win in as many tries.
Canada distanced itself behind a 30-19 second quarter tale to build a 49-38 lead at the half.
Second-ranked Spain tried its best to trim the gap in the third, but Canada always had an answer, whether through Gilgeous-Alexander or RJ Barrett.
The same scenario unfolded in the final period, as Spain managed to pull within three, 65-68, after Dario Brizuela’s layup with over seven minutes left in the game.
However, Dillon Brooks and Andrew Nembhard had other plans, scoring consecutive baskets to help Canada keep a safe distance from its foe.
The EuroBasket champion squad slowly found their way back into the game behind Brizuela.
With just 53.9 seconds left, Alex Abrines split his free throws for Spain to continue to threaten at 80-82.
But on the other end, Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the basket, which freed up Barrett for a left-corner triple that gave Canada a five-point breather.
Sergio Llull gave Spain one last hope after making a crucial three-pointer at the 3.1 mark.
Gilgeous-Alexander, however, sank both of his freebies even as Llull missed his half-court heave, giving Canada the win.
Nembhard contributed 18 points, while Barrett and Brooks had 16 and 13 markers, respectively.
Brizuela finished with 17 for Spain while Llull contributed 13 and Abrines, 12.
