(Jakarta) Despite a 23-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada suffered a first loss at the FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup, losing 69-65 to Brazil in a second-place game. round, Friday in Jakarta.
In the loss, Montreal’s Luguentz Dort added 17 points.
Bruno Caboclo led Brazil’s attack with 19 points.
“It was a good game. Tight, obviously, Gilgeous-Alexander said. They were the best in the second half. They wanted a little more victory. Especially on the rebounds, that’s what really hurt us. We learn from that and move on to the next game. »
Canada’s setback, combined with Latvia’s 74-69 win over defending champions and world No. 1 Spain, creates congestion in the Group L standings.
All four countries have records of three wins and one loss with one game to play in this new group stage.
Ranked 15th in the world, the Canadian team must now win their duel against Spain on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals.
Head coach, Jordi Fernandez, spoke of a learning moment for his club.
“It’s dealing with that kind of adversity,” Fernandez said. We haven’t had to do that so far and I believe in our group. They are going to work. They have the success of the team at heart.
“We will study the films and prepare for Spain. It will be a fun encounter. We will be ready. »