street. CATHERINES (CANADA) – Canada started the 2025 FIBA America's Cup qualifiers on the right foot by complying, as favorites, with a solid win. 96-51 Against Nicaragua on home soil.
The crowd at the Meridian Center in St. Catharines, an area adjacent to the famous Niagara Falls, witnessed how their team relied on the outside shot in their offensive game and, consequently, witnessed a veritable series of Canadian three-pointers (17) during the contest.
Canada, which finished fourth in the last edition of the FIBA America's Cup (Brazil 2022) and has a historic six podium finishes in the major continental competition – 2 silver and 4 bronze – was its top scorer with 21 points. Best, who plays for Truffle Sopot (Poland), hit 5 threes on 9 attempts, and also added 3 rebounds and 1 assist to his stat line.
“We played a great game. We always have a mission to do things well in front of our fans. Basically, play together and try as a team,” declared Best, who received praise from coach Nate Bjorkgren after he took a step forward in this starless group. They play in the NBA: “Now it's also time to repeat the match as a visitor.”
“I've had the opportunity to coach Aaron (the best) before and I know what he can do,” Bjorkgren said. He responded and his sacrifices on defense made us better on offense and made us a better team.”
Another standout player was Phil Scrubb with 13 points, 8 assists and 3 rebounds for a final rating of 20.
For Nicaragua, a team that impressed in its first experience in Region 1 of the FIBA Americas Championship after making a remarkable rise by leaving a record of 7W-0L in the two pre-qualifying stages of this case, Francisco Garth and Jared Ruiz stood out with 14 and 12 points respectively.
“We knew it was going to be a very difficult match. “We are facing the third team in the world rankings, we are in 73rd place. It is our first match in these qualifiers, we will continue to work to improve the defense and the attack to do better in two days against this great team in the David Rosario Statement, Nicaragua coach, saying: “We own our home.”
The North American national team occupies the top spot in Group C, along with the Dominican Republic, both of which won 1-0. Nicaragua and Mexico remained at the bottom of the ranking after suffering a setback. In this group, only the top two teams qualify, always ignoring Nicaragua, the team already seeded due to its status as host of the 2025 FIBA America's Cup.
The two teams will meet again on Monday at the Alexis Arguello Sports Center in Managua, Nicaragua, the venue that will host the continent's most important national team tournament in 2025.
International Basketball Federation
