MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM WINS 112-92 OVER PUERTO RICO AT 2015 FIBA AMERICAS

(MEXICO CITY, MEXICO) – Canada used a 35-16 third quarter to earn a 112-92 win over Puerto Rico in their final preliminary game of the 2015 FIBA Americas Men’s Championship.

“Puerto Rico played very well early. They made some three-point shots and we knew that was part of their game. I was really pleased with the way our guys responded at half-time and even for the last two and a half minutes of the first half,” said Head Coach Jay Triano.

Andrew Wiggins was the leading scorer for Canada in the win with 19 points. Kelly Olynyk contributed 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists with no turnovers. Canada shot 13-30 from beyond the arc. J.J. Barea scored 20 points with seven rebounds and seven assists to lead Puerto Rico’s efforts. For full box score, click here.

Kelly Olynyk led Canada to a strong start, scoring 8 points with three rebounds in the first quarter. The Men’s National Team were clicking offensively, freeing teammates up for lay-ups or forcing Puerto Rico to foul. But the Puerto Rican side found their touch from distance early, hitting five threes. Canada led 24-23 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter started with the two teams exchanging buckets, but Puerto Rico would make a run by crashing the offensive glass. Canada struggled to score in the quarter but Andrew Wiggins would draw fouls to get some easy points. Puerto Rico led 44-35 but Team Canada came back to lead 46-44 at the half.

Five points would jump-start the third quarter as Canada used the period to pull away from Puerto Rico. The Men’s National Team would hit threes and free throws to push their lead up to 15. Canada’s bench continued the impressive run and Puerto Rico had no answer for the depth and athleticism. At the end of three quarters, Canada led 81-58.

Playing their fourth game in four nights, Canada relied heavily on their bench. Puerto Rico would improve offensively but it was not enough as the Men’s National Team won 112-92.

“I thought we played alright. We got off to a slow start but we closed the half strong and opened up the third quarter real strong. They are a great team and they have some players that can really go so it was a great win for us,” said Kelly Olynyk.

The next game for Team Canada is September 6. Opponent and time is to be determined. Follow @CanBBall on Twitter to stay up to date.

For full FIBA Americas roster, click here.

For more information about the FIBA Americas Men’s Championship, click here.