HERAKLION, Greece – Dillon Brooks had 22 points and six rebounds to lead Canada past Australia 74-71 on Saturday in its opening game of the under-19 world men’s basketball championship.
Justin Jackson added 11 points and nine rebounds for Canada, which is in Pool C with the Australians, Tunisia and Italy.
"Dejan Vasiljevic had 14 points for Australia, which beat Canada 78-69 in exhibition action last week.
Canada plays Tunisia on Sunday and Italy on Tuesday before crossing over for the second of the group phases.
The top eight teams in the 16-country tournament after the two group phases advance to the knockout round. Canada is ranked third in the world in the FIBA men’s age-group rankings.