Canada looked like they had a chance to knock off one of the tournament favourites at the FIBA Americas tournament but when the clock struck four, things fell apart.
The Canadians were taking on Puerto Rico in their second game of the Tournament of the Americas but unraveled in the fourth quarter and were defeated 83-67.
Canadian coach Jay Triano gave credit to the Puerto Ricans for their physical defence afterwards.
“They made us fight for every pass we had to make and fight for every bucket we had to make,” Triano said.
Puerto Rico led for the entire first half, stretching their advantage to eight points twice but a resilient Canadian team hung tough and when the half-time buzzer sounded, the advantage was only 40-37.
The American territory started the second half by scoring the first four points, the latter pair came on a questionable foul call against Canadian forward Andrew Nicholson. The decision seemed to spark the Canadians as they proceeded to go on a 13-2 run, in the process taking their first lead of the game.
But this time it was Puerto Rico’s turn to answer the call as they would not allow the Canadian lead to get further. By the end of the third quarter, the Canadians trailed 59-58.
With the Puerto Ricans holding a one-point lead entering the fourth quarter, they proceeded to go on an 18-2 run to start the frame, breaking the game wide open.
In the midst of the run, Nicholson fouled out and Canada was unable to recover from the absence of their top scorer.
“Their guys know how to play the international game and understand the emotions of the international game,” Canadian coach Jay Triano said.
Former Toronto Raptor Carlos Arroyo was the top Puerto Rican scorer as he finished with 20 points. Renaldo Balkman, who played with the Knicks and Nuggets, spent most of the first half on the bench in foul trouble but he still managed 18 points and 11 rebounds to key Puerto Rico’s fourth quarter run.
Nicholson and Tristan Thompson led the way for Canada as the Magic forward finished with 21 points and seven rebounds while the Cavaliers big man added 20 and eight.
Canada’s record falls to 1-1 with the loss while Puerto Rico remains perfect (2-0).
Canada will face Brazil on Sunday at 11 a.m. ET. The game can be seen on Sportsnet 360.