JAKARTA, Indonesia — Canada's men's basketball team is returning to the Olympics.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, including going 14-of-16 at the free-throw line, as Canada fended off Spain 88-85 on Sunday at the FIBA men's basketball World Cup. The win sends Canada to the international tournament's quarterfinals and clinches a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics."We’re a part of history," said Gilgeous-Alexander, who added seven assists and four rebounds."It’s something that’s almost indescribable.
"We just dug deep," said Barrett."Dillon was huge, Shai iced the game, made all the free throws. We just dug deep, man. We hit some adversity, down 12 to start the fourth quarter and we just stayed together." A Spanish shot was tipped away, with Lu Dort catching the ball and handing it off to Gilgeous-Alexander. He was quickly foulled, sending him to the line for two free throws.After a timeout, Juan Nunez made a hook shot to help Spain close within two points.