POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Spain - Canada 85-88
Canada ensured the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal berth. They survived a thriller versus Spain to seal their knockout round appearance. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (198-PG-1998, college: Kentucky) came up with 30 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds to pace the winners as they captured the top place in Group L.
The teams went neck and neck throughout the first period. The scoreboard read 21-21 after ten minutes. Spain spurred ahead in the second frame. The defending champions poured in 27 points to gain a 10-point halftime advantage. Spain maintained the lead throughout the third term. The European team entered the final stanza up by as many as 12 points 73-61. But Canada turned things around in the fourth quarter. They opened the period on a 10-2 run to narrow the gap. Dillon Brooks (201-G/F-1996, college: Oregon) made a key three-pointer with 79 seconds left in regulation to tie things up at 80. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed with a jumper to give Canada an 82-80 advantage with 44 seconds remaining. He followed with two free throws to make it 84-80 with 21 seconds left. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard then added four free throws in the dying seconds as Canada hung on to the lead and claimed a decisive victory at the end. Dillon Brooks finished with 22 points, while RJ Barrett Jr. (198-F/G-2000, college: Duke) added 16 points for Canada. Willy Hernangomez (210-C-1994) responded with 25 points, while Santiago Aldama (211-F/C-2001, college: Loyola, MD) tossed in 20 points for Spain.
Tags : SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER, WORLD CUP BASKETBALL, CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM
