Ontario Athletes Help Canada Sweep China in Pacific Rim Classic

In preparation for the upcoming FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers, Team Canada earned a pair of convincing victories over China in the inaugural Pacific Rim Classic this past weekend in B.C.

The first leg of the two-game series on June 22 in Vancouver saw Canada roll to a decisive 97-62 win, getting strong contributions from a pair of Ontario athletes; Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (Mississauga) posted a team-high 21 points, while Duke commit R.J. Barrett (Mississauga) netted 16 points in his senior national team debut.

See the full box score for Canada versus China on June 22.

Barrett’s strong play continued in the series finale on June 24 in Victoria as the Montverde product poured in a game-high 21 points, helping Canada earn a lopsided 108-72 victory. Fellow Montverde standout Andrew Nembhard was equally effective, totalling 18 points and three assists, while Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (Toronto) chipped in with 12 points and nine rebounds.

See the full box score for Canada versus China on June 24.

Many talented Ontario athletes were invited to training camp and played in the exhibition matches against China, but Canada will unveil its final roster this week before resuming the Americas Qualifiers for the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup 2019 with a first-place showdown against the Dominican Republic on Friday, June 29 at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. The team will conclude its qualification stint on July 2 against the U.S. Virgin Islands at The Arena at TD Place in Ottawa.

Tickets for Canada’s June 29 game in Toronto can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or by phone at 416-872-5000.

Fans in Ottawa can secure their tickets for Canada’s July 2 contest against the U.S. Virgin Islands by visiting TD Place or in person at the TD Place box office.