(TORONTO, ON) – The Men’s National Team is undefeated at the Tuto Marchand Continental Cup after winning their second game of the tournament 80-64 over Brazil in San Juan, Puerto Rico.



“It was a defensive battle in the first half so we tried to create some more in transition. In the second half, we were able to get up and down the floor a little bit better,” said Head Coach Jay Triano. “Our depth was very good, especially offensively. We got 50 points off the bench but I was more pleased with the way the guys came off the bench and followed what the starters had done defensively.”

Coming off the bench, Dwight Powell scored 14 points with seven rebounds. Anthony Bennett keyed Canada’s win, scoring 16 points on an efficient 6-7 shooting with two three-pointers. Canada won the rebounding battle 43-24 and held Brazil to 39% shooting. Augusto Lima was the stand-out for Brazil, scoring 17 points. For full box score, click here.



The first quarter saw a slow start with Canada and Brazil scoring six points each in the first five minutes. Brazil’s defence would unravel as the Men’s National Team drove into the paint and crashed the offensive glass to draw fouls. On defence, Canada closed out on jump shots by fighting through screens. Canada pulled away late to earn an 18-11 lead.



Canada’s bench was the difference in the second quarter. Phil Scrubb went 3-3 from the field, including a deep three. Dwight Powell was a force inside, grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring at the hoop. The defence carried over from the first period. Brazil could not settle into their offensive sets and managed 16 points in the period. After 20 minutes of play, Team Canada led 36-27.



Anthony Bennett started the third quarter with 11 straight points and the Men’s National Team would ride the momentum to an impressive period. Wiggins threw down a one-handed dunk over a Brazilian defender and Brady Heslip nailed a three to give Canada a 55-40 advantage. The length and athleticism continued to trouble Brazil and Team Canada led 59-44 heading into the fourth.



Despite the lead, Canada did not let up. The Men’s National Team started the quarter on a 14-4 run before Brazil steadied. The final quarter was won by Canada 21-20 to put the final score at 80-64.



“It was definitely a tough game but defence won us the game. We got out in transition and found the open guy. We were forcing passes in the first but we settled down in the half-court and made the right plays,” said Bennett.



Canada will take on Dominican Republic at 5:45 pm EST on August 25.



The game will be streamed on LiveBasketball.TV.



For full Tuto Marchand Continental Cup roster, click here.



For more information on the Tuto Marchand tournament, click here.