Canada advances to finals at FIBA U18 men's championship with win over Puerto Rico | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Canada advances to finals at FIBA U18 men's championship with win over Puerto Rico

VALDIVIA, Chile - A strong first quarter was all Canada needed to set the tone and cruise into the finals at the FIBA Americas under-18 men's championship.

Lindell Wigginton led the way with a game-high 22 points as Canada beat Puerto Rico 83-66 on Friday in the semifinals of the eight-nation tournament.

The Halifax native, who plays high school ball for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, went 8 for 16 from the floor, including 3 of 7 from three-point range. O'Shae Brissett of Mississauga, Ont., continued his strong tournament play with 18 points and eight rebounds.

"This young group has come together very quickly and represented Canadian basketball by playing the right way. It is always special to have an opportunity to play for gold. We will be prepared and continue to give it all we have," said Canadian coach Roy Rana.

The Canadian defence keyed a strong opening quarter. Seven turnovers from Puerto Rico resulted in 10 fast-break points. On the offensive side, Canada shot 60 per cent in the first and led 20-9 to start the second.

Canada increased its lead to 45-28 at the half. The two sides traded buckets through the third quarter, which ended with Canada still up by 17 points 64-47.

Puerto Rico started the fourth quarter on a 9-4 run, but Canada responded and held on.

Canada had Wigginton, Brissett, Shai Alexander, Nickeil Walker and Abu Kigab as its starting five.

The Canadian squad will face the United States on Saturday for gold. The Americans beat Brazil 88-48 in Friday's other semifinal.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2016
The Canadian Press

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