Caracas, Ven – (BasketballBuzz) – Cory Joseph raised his game to another level and poured 12 first-quarter points on his way to a game-high 28 points and nine rebounds as Canada bounced back to defeat Brazil 91-62, and improve to 2-1 at the 2013 FIBA Americas Championships.
The last time Canada defeated Brazil was August 26, 2003, 101-97 in the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifier; Steve Nash led way with 24 points, and was named MVP of that tournament
Canada broke open a tight contest with a 11-0 run late in the second quarter to pull ahead 44-34 at half-time after trailing 22-19 at the end of the first-quarter.
Joseph stepped up in a big way shooting 10-of-15 (67%) from the game, 2-of-5 from the outside and 6-for-8 from the free-throw line and got the better of the more experienced Brazilian back-court.
Canadian Head Coach Jay Triano continued to unleash Canada’s depth on the opposing teams, this time calling on veteran and experienced point guard Jermaine Anderson who registered 28 minutes of the bench with 14 points and three assists. Anderson and Joseph combined for zero turnovers as Canada once again kept the ball moving and shot a 31-67 (46%) for the game.
Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson went a perfect 6-of-6 from the foul line and Tristan Thompson (7 points, 4 rebounds, 5-of-6 free-throws) continued to impress at the line since making the unusual switch to shooting his free-throws right handed instead of his natural left hand.
Canada went 21-26 (81%) from the foul line and edged Brazil on the boards 37-31.
Brazil who defeated Canada at the Tuto Marchand cup struggled to contain their composure with Head Coach Ruben Magnano was ejected after picking his second technical of the game. Andy Rautins as also assessed a tech after complaining to the officials.
Up next for the Canadians (2-1) is Uruguay (1-1) on the final game of the Group A preliminary action.
