Olynyk scores 20 points to lead Canada to 85-77 WCup qualifying win over Brazil
LAVAL, Que. — Five NBA players who chose to suit up for Canada just a week before training camps open. A point guard making his first appearance for Canada in five years. A Canadian university product who has come into his own in this newfangled World Cup qualifying system.
Canada’s 85-77 victory over Brazil to open the second round of World Cup qualifying Thursday night spoke volumes about Canadian basketball’s collaborative effort.
“It’s been an absolutely phenomenal … whatever it is, six days we’ve been together,” a smiling coach Roy Rana said. “From start to finish, these guys have been unbelievable. It’s a close group that’s getting closer as we move through the windows, and that’s exciting.”
Kelly Olynyk had 20 points and 18 rebounds to lead a Canadian team that had six players in double figures. Cory Joseph added 16 points and 10 assists, while Tristan Thompson grabbed 12 boards, Kevin Pangos had 10 points and eight assists, and Aaron Best had 12 points.