After an impressive opening win over Greece (0-2) to begin its quest for gold, the Canadian men’s basketball team (1-0) returns for its second game of Olympic group play on Tuesday.
This time the challenge in front of Canada is No. 5-ranked Australia (1-0) which is coming off a strong victory of its own. A tougher test for the seventh-ranked Canadians than No. 14 Greece. The Boomers currently sit atop Group B after routing Spain (1-1) on Saturday — with Canada right behind thanks to a seven-point win of its own.
Whichever nation comes out on top once the dust settles will be the lone undefeated squad left in the group and will move into first place.
More than that, should Canada win the contest it could secure its place in the knockout phase of the tournament before playing a third game, with a little help. If France beats Japan and Germany beats Brazil — both of which are reasonably likely outcomes — the Canadians would advance.
And if it’s a convincing win for the Red-and-White, it’ll help with point differential and seeding down the line.
Here are the key moments from Canada vs. Australia.
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First quarter
• 2:05 – Nembhard filling in admirably, hits Canada’s fourth triple of the first quarter. 23-21 Australia.
• 5:10 – FIBA Brooks steps up for Canada in Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence and makes a timely three to end a 7-0 run for the Boomers. 13-11 Australia.
• 8:16 – Uh oh… moments after Gilgeous-Alexander slithered his way for Canada’s first basket he picks up a second foul and is forced to sit. Andrew Nembhard checks in for some big early minutes.
• 9:19 – Josh Giddey knocks down a mid-range jumper for the first basket of the game
• 10:00 – And we’re off! Powell wins the tip for Canada.
Pre-game
• Canada sticking with the same starting lineup as its first game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Dillon Brooks, RJ Barrett and Dwight Powell. Against Greece, the starting group was plus-22 in 10.5 minutes of action together.
