The derby on the first day of the Mundobasket went to Canada, which convincingly defeated France 95:65 on the wings of Shai Gilgeous Alexender, in the first match of Group H.
The second half was enough for the Canadians, which they won by 52:25, Shai Gilgeous Alexender was in the best mood with 27 points 13 rebounds, and six assists, followed by Kelly Olynyk with 18 points and four rebounds, and double figures were also Dillon Brooks with 12 points, as many as Nickel Alexander-Walker had.
In the defeated team, Evan Fournier stood out with 21 points, followed by Nando de Colo with 12 points, which was also recorded later by Matthias Lessort. Until the very end of the match, France was with only two basketball players in double figures.
The French entered the match very well, with good defense, three good attacks, and a 7:0 series right from the start. However, Canada had an answer to that and very quickly brought the match back to a tie 8:9. In the continuation, the defenses dominated, and the first part belonged to the Tricolors, who gained a small advantage (18:14) with a three-pointer by Evan Fournier and easy points by Matias Lessor.
During the second part, the advantage changed, but neither team was able to make a series and gain a significant advantage. Canada was a bit more concentrated in the end and managed to reach the lead at halftime (43:40).
France’s game fell apart in the third period, which the Canadians won 25:8 and decided the winner. None of his teammates joined Evan Fournier in a good mood, the “engine” simply stopped. Canada is mainly on the wings of Shai Gilgeous Alexender and Kelly Olynyk, who managed to make big runs on two occasions and reach a big +20 before the last ten minutes (68:48).
The question of the winner was decided in the third quarter, since in the last part the Canadians routinely brought the match to an end. The French could not match Canada, which did not lower the “gas” until the end of the match and further increased the difference for the final score – 95:65.
In the next match, Canada will meet with Lebanon, which earlier convincingly lost to Latvia (109:70). France, on the other hand, is playing against the Latvians, who have the “wind at their backs” with an excellent premiere.
In the defeated team, Evan Fournier stood out with 21 points, followed by Nando de Colo with 12 points, which was also recorded later by Matthias Lessor. Until the very end of the match, France was with only two basketball players in double figures.
