The last time Canada faced Mexico they pummeled them by 55 points (95-40) at the 2009 FIBA Americas Tournament.
While Canada has gotten better since that game, clearly, so have the Mexicans.
They recorded convincing victories in the opening round over the Dominican Republic (81-65), Paraguay (87-65) and Venezuela (65-56) before getting crushed by Argentina (98-78) in their last game of the first round.
The Canadians made it through the opening round of the FIBA Americas Tournament relatively unscathed.
Programming note: Watch Canada take on Mexico at the FIBA Americas tournament live on Sportsnet 360 at 1:45 p.m. ET. | Full TV Schedule
Aside from a tough loss to Puerto Rico, they took care of business but entering Round 2, the challenges will get even greater.
Canadian coach Jay Triano appeared on Tim & Sid Wednesday and said the must-win game will come Thursday when Canada battles continental-rival Mexico.
“Our next game against Mexico is our most important for a variety of reasons,” Triano explained, noting that a win over a team with a rival record could pay big dividends down the road.
The Mexicans are led by Atlanta Hawks centre Gustavo Ayon who has posted averages of 17.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.
Much like they did against Uruguay, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson and Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson will need to get out on the floor and run to tire their Mexican opposition out.
Canada’s up-tempo play took its toll on the Uruguayans, the same strategy will need to be employed here.
While Ayon has done consistent damage throughout the tournament, he has had help along the way from forward Hector Hernandez as well as guards Jorge Gutierrez and Orlando Mendez.
Gutierrez should not be taken lightly as he had a strong season in the D-League with the Canton Charge while being named to the all-rookie and all-defensive teams.
Mendez has been shooting 60 per cent from the field and 50 per cent from beyond the arc so the Canadian backcourt players will need to keep a close eye on his whereabouts as well.
Triano may want to put Cory Joseph on Gutierrez to allow the San Antonio Spurs guard to focus on directing the Canadian offence.
As the tournament goes on, I suspect we will see less and less of Brady Heslip. While he has stretched the floor when he is able to get open outside looks, the Baylor Bears guard is lacking the strength and experience to keep up with opponents on the opposite end of the floor.
This will be the first game of crossover play so Canada will get a better idea of how they match up against the squads in Pool B from this one.
If Canada is able to take care of business against the Mexicans, it bodes well for them advancing to the playoff round and securing a berth in next year’s World Cup; but if they struggle, all bets are off.
