109-82 WIN FOR MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM OVER URUGUAY AT 2015 FIBA AMERICAS

(MEXICO CITY, MEXICO) September 7, 2015 – Team Canada moved to a 5-1 record at the 2015 FIBA Americas Men’s Championship with a 109-82 victory over Uruguay.

“I think as the game went on I was pleased with how we were able to adapt to a different style of game than we’ve seen so far in this tournament,” Head Coach Jay Triano said. “I think that helps our growth as a team and gives these guys some experience as to what a very well executing team can do to us.

With an impressive third quarter, Andrew Wiggins scored a team-high 18 points. Andrew Nicholson poured in 15 points with ten rebounds and six assists to headline the strong bench performance. Nicolas Borsellino led the Uruguayan effort with 15 points. For full box score, click here.

The first quarter was a story of runs. Canada bounced out to an early 13-3 lead but after a timeout, Uruguay would claw back with an 8-0 run of their own. The Canadian bench depth forced turnovers to open up Canada’s transition game and behind Melvin Ejim’s nine points, the Men’s National Team led 29-22.

After dominating for parts of the first quarter, Canada took off in the second. The bench locked down defensively, rotating well and grabbing defensive rebounds to allow only 10 points. Uruguay had no answer for the Men’s National Team’s variety of offensive weapons and conceded 28 points in the quarter. Andrew Nicholson went off for 12 points in the quarter and a key charge to begin a Canadian run. At the half, Canada led 57-32.

With teams battling for a spot in the semifinals, Uruguay came out of half time with a purpose. They attacked Canada and drew fouls but the Men’s National Team would regroup after a timeout. Andrew Wiggins threw down a one-handed slam in transition to give Canada a 71-45 lead – their largest of the game. He scored 11 in the quarter and Team Canada headed to the final period with an 86-52 lead.

Canada’s bench played the majority of the fourth quarter and impressed again. The ball moved fluidly on offence while stifling the Uruguay attack. With the result in hand, Canada cruised to the 109-82 final score.

“I play every minute hard. When I get subbed out I know the person coming in for me is going to do the same thing I did, go hard, play good defence and play the role they’re supposed to play,” said Andrew Wiggins.

The next game for Team Canada is September 8 against the host country, Mexico. Coverage starts on TSN1 at 9:30 pm EST.

For full FIBA Americas roster, click here.

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