U19 Men's National Team Drops Quarterfinal 84-71 to Croatia

Toronto, ON - The U19 Men's National Team's quarterfinal game ended in a 84-71 loss to Croatia in the FIBA U19 World Championships in Heraklion, Greece.

Scarborough, Ontario native, Justin Jackson finished the game with 20 points on 7/18 shooting to go along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists while Dillon Brooks chipped in with 17 points. Luka Bozic from Croatia finished with 20 points while shooting 50% from the field. For a full box score, click here.

Croatia jumped out to an early 23-21 advantage over Canada after the first quarter. The quarter was back and forth with both teams exchanging buckets throughout the frame. Team Canada shot 75% from behind the arc to keep the game within striking distance.

Croatia pulled away in the second quarter, but solid shooting from Corey Johnson kept Canada close as the team trailed by nine points at the half - 48-39. Johnson shot 4/4 from behind the arc and Dillion Brooks was a play-maker by grabbing 4 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists heading into the third.

Canada started to find momentum in the third quarter and cut the Croatian lead to five points - 59-54. Gritty team defense and efficient offensive play by Nevell Provo and Dillon Brooks brought Canada back into the mix going into a pivotal fourth quarter.

The U19 Men's National Team came out strong in the fourth quarter to slice the lead to two points after a Justin Jackson three-pointer made the score 61-59 with eight minutes remaining. At the six-minute mark, Dillon Brooks fouled out of the game. After Brooks fouled out, Croatia never looked back on their way to an 84-71 victory over Team Canada.

Canada will have an opportunity to finish with its best placing at the FIBA U19 World Championship. The team is now placed in the 5-8 Classification Round and will play against Australia tomorrow. The winner of that game will go on to face another opponent for 5th place in the tournament.

For the full U19 Men's National Team Roster and coaching staff, click here.

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