Semifinal win sends Canada to World Cup

It was Emanuel Miller time at the FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship as he propelled Canada into the final.

Miller scored 31 points and added 14 rebounds as Canada defeated Puerto Rico 95-89 and advanced to the gold-medal game against the U.S. Saturday night at 8:15 p.m. at the Meridian Centre.

While Canada proved no match for the U.S. in the final Saturday night with a 113-74 loss , Friday’s win secured the team a spot in next year’s FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

“The Canadian team that beat the American team at the Under-19s last year, had its moments too — they lost to Spain in the round-robin,” said Dave Smart, the Canadian coach. “They had their Spain moment. We have had our U.S. moment. Sometimes you need that moment.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and we need to use that moment to take you where you need to be.

“If you don’t, you aren’t taking advantage of the situation.

“It stinks while it is happening, but sports is a funny thing. When you lose you get another chance, and we will get another chance at them.”

The U.S. defeated Argentina 104-92 in the other semifinal.

“I thought Argentina looked pretty comfortable out there, especially offensively,” Smart said. “They got the U.S. confused on their switches just by their movement. ”

Argentina averages six to seven passes per possession. Canada and the U.S. play an attacking style and often used only two or three passes to set up a shot.

Addison Patterson scored 16 points, and A.J. Lawson had 14 points for Canada Friday night.

It was Lawson’s first game back after missing two games with an injury suffered when he crashed to the floor on a dunk in 14 against Ecuador.

He was checked for concussion symptoms, but it was a sore back that kept him out of action.

Jorge Torres led Puerto Rico with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Alejandro Vasquez added 19 points.