Canada Secures AmeriCup Spot Despite 98-94 Loss to Mexico
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By Noan Gagnon
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Summary:
- Canada lost 98-94 to Mexico in a FIBA Men’s AmeriCup Qualifier after a 90-minute delay due to a shot clock issue.
- Mfiondu Kabengele led Canada with 24 points but missed last-second free throws, while Pako Cruz dominated for Mexico with 30 points.
- Despite the loss, Canada finished first in Pool C (4-2) and secured a spot in the AmeriCup this summer.
Canada’s senior men’s basketball team faced a long and frustrating 90-minute delay before finally tipping off against Mexico in Monday’s FIBA Men’s AmeriCup Qualifier.
Once the game got underway, Canada faced several challenges on the court and fought hard before falling 98-94.
Despite the loss, the result didn’t derail Canada’s path to the AmeriCup.
Top Spot in Pool C for Canada
The long delay before the start of the game was explained by a “technical issue” that involved the shot clock, which significantly pushed back the scheduled start time.
Once play began, Canada edged out a 29-26 lead after the first quarter but found themselves trailing 54-51 at halftime.
They regained momentum in the third quarter, entering the final period with a slim 71-69 advantage, but Mexico surged ahead late to claim the win.
Finishing with a 4-2 record, they secured the top spot in Pool C, ensuring their participation in this summer’s tournament.
Kabengele Scoired 12, Missed Last-Second Free Throws
Mfiondu Kabengele led the way for Canada, putting up 24 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Jahvon Henry-Blair contributed 16 points, while Isiaha Mike added a strong double-double performance with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The game went down to the wire. Kabengele failed to seize the critical opportunity to tie the score at 96-96 in the closing seconds of the game, as neither of his free throws made it to the mark, enabling Mexico to seal the win.
On the opposing side, Pako Cruz delivered an explosive performance, finishing with a game-high 30 points.
Mexico was looking for a 17-point victory to overtake Canada in the standings. The team received help from Karim Rodriguez, who added 14, and Gabriel Giron, who scored 12, but the final result did not suffice for the Mexicans.
FIBA AmeriCup and FIBA World Cup Qualifications, in the Bag
Although the defeat was disappointing, Canada’s primary goal was already secured as the team advanced to the AmeriCup.
To move on, they needed either a victory or a loss by 19 points or fewer, making their four-point defeat inconsequential in the bigger picture.
Raptors & Blue Jays analyst at Sportsnet, who also hosts and co-hosts Jays Talk Plus and The Raptors Show, commented on the result, saying despite Canada’s loss, the team “will win the group regardless on tiebreaker point differential”.
Canada has qualified for this summer’s FIBA AmeriCup. Canada has also qualified for 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying beginning in November.
Can Canada go one better than last tournament and make it to the final? Get all the latest basketball odds on this and the NBA right now.
