A silver lining for Canadian hoopsters
Commonwealth Games seen as ‘priceless experience’ for young squad
After the euphoria of a buzzer-beater semifinal win over New Zealand, there was a reality check for Canada on Sunday in the men’s basketball gold-medal game at the Commonwealth Games.
The young Canadian side was thumped 87-47 by host Australia in a game where the outcome was never in doubt. The Boomers had beaten Canada 95-55 in the tournament opener for both teams. But Canada’s progress throughout the competition was recognized going into the final — one Australian bookmaker had Canada as a 33.5-point underdog.
Both teams were without their top talent. But while Australians fielded a team comprised of professionals from the domestic National Basketball League, Canada’s squad was made up of university players.
“They’re certainly an experienced group of veteran pros and I thought they showed it tonight,” Canada coach Kirby Schepp said of the Australians. “Obviously very well-coached.
“For us, especially with our young guys, just a great experience. Playing Australia in Australia in a meaningful international game, (it’s) priceless experience for these young guys to have that.”
The medal was Canada’s first in men’s basketball at the Commonwealth Games. Canada did not enter a team at the Melbourne Games in 2006, the only other time basketball was on the program.
It was also medal No. 82 for Canada at these games (15 gold, 40 silver, 27 bronze), tying the Canadian total four years ago in Glasgow, Scotland (32-16-34).
Basketball will be on the program at the 2022 games in Birmingham, England, but it will be the three-on-three variety.
Sunday ’s game went south in the second quarter, when Canada, who trailed 20-10 after the first, was outscored 25-9. The Canadians missed their first nine shots of the quarter as Australia went on a 14-0 run to increase the lead to 34-10 before a delighted crowd at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre for the 11:30 a.m. start.
Australia led 45-19 at halftime, outrebounding the Canadians 30-10 (including 10-1 in offensive rebounds). Canada shot six-for-27 in the first 20 minutes with Ryerson’s Ammanuel Diressa and University of British Columbia’s Conor Morgan a combined twofor-17.
The Canadians showed some spark to start the third but normal service resumed and Australia led 63-29 going into the final quarter. Canada never led Sunday and shot just 27 per cent (17-of-63) — 23 per cent (6-of-26) from three-point range.
It was outrebounded 56-31 and outscored 36-20 in the paint.
Carleton’s Munis Tutu led Canada with 10 points. Chris Goulding had 11 for Australia, which had seven players score eight or more points.
Australia won the women’s gold on Saturday, defeating England 99-55 to cap an unbeaten run at the tournament. Canada lost 74-58 to New Zealand in the bronzemedal match.
(The Australians are) certainly an experienced group of veteran pros and I thought they showed it tonight.