The Canadians remain undefeated in world cup qualifying play, moving to 8-0 with a 106-50 beatdown over Panama in Panama on Monday.
Kelly Olynyk had 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists while Kevin Pangos had 17 points, five assists and four rebounds in the victory. The pair of Zags led the team in scoring.
NBA players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Cory Joseph all sat out for the Canadians. That allowed Pangos to take on a bigger role, which he took full advantage of by dropping a team-high five three pointers.
The smaller roster and the overwhelming victory allowed coach Nick Nurse to play some of the younger, more inexperienced players, including Purdue center Zach Edey who had 15 points and seven rebounds.
The victory all but locked up Canada’s place in the FIBA world cup. It would have been solidified had The Bahamas pulled an upset against Argentina, but they weren’t able to pull it off.
The World Cup is a direct qualifier for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Four more spots will open up for last-chance qualifiers, but the Canadians no doubt want to avoid that after losing to the Czech Republic in 2021.
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Writer – Ducks Wire
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