MANILA, Philippines (September 9, 2023) – Canada will face the United States on Sunday in an attempt to win the country’s first-ever medal at the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup.
Who : Canada (5-2) vs. USA (5-2)
When : Sunday, September 9 at 4:30 a.m. ET / 1:30 a.m. PT
Or : Mall of Asia Arena – Manille, Philippines
Things to know ahead of Sunday’s third-place match against the United States:
– The battle for bronze: Canada and the United States will try to finish in third place and therefore win the bronze medal of the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup 2023. Although the United States has already won 12 medals in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, world, including four bronze medals in the history of the program, Canada will attempt to win its very first World Cup medal. The United States has won the last seven World Cup meetings, but it has now been 37 years since the two teams met, since 1986.
– How we got here: Both teams will start Sunday’s game with the same record of 5-2. While Canada began its World Cup with a breathtaking 30-point victory over France, fifth in the world rankings, the United States played its first match in Manila and won against New Zealand by the score was 99 to 72. Both teams won their three group stage meetings, and Canada suffered its first loss of the tournament against Brazil while the United States lost to Lithuania in the second round. Both teams bounced back by winning their next matches and advancing to the semi-finals, where Germany eliminated the United States in a breathtaking 113-111 victory, and Serbia beat the Canada 95 to 86, which brings us to this third place match which will take place on Sunday.
– Familiar faces: Canadian basketball fans will recognize many of Team USA’s players, as the United States and Australia are the only teams with more NBA players representing their countries than Canada in this year’s World Cup. All 12 players on Team USA play in the NBA, with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards leading the team in scoring with an average of 18.1 points scored per game. Brooklyn Nets wing Mikal Bridges adds an average of 12.9 points and Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reeves averages 12.4 points per game. New York Knicks winger Josh Hart is the leading rebounder on the American side, averaging 5.9 rebounds and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Halibuton averages 5.4 assists.
Bonus :
– Know your opponent: Although Anthony Edwards is the top scorer for the American team throughout the tournament, it is Mikal Bridges who is the top scorer for his team over the last three games with an average of 18.3 points over this stretch. as the United States has scored more than 100 points in each of the last three games. The last time they scored 100 points in every game for more than three World Cup matches was in 1990-94 with seven games in a row over 100 points. Canada will have to manage the ball well on Sunday as the Americans force more loose balls than any other team in Manila. On average, USA opponents commit 17 turnovers, leading to 26.3 fast break points per game.
– Stake : Even though Canada is already qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the team wants to leave Manila with a medal. Friday’s loss to Serbia ended Canada’s quest for a gold medal, but it didn’t dampen their motivation. While the program was already guaranteed its best result in the World Cup, Jordi Fernández’s team wants to continue making history. “It’s very important,” Fernández said. “For the people at home, for these guys here and everyone here, the management team, to come home with the medal would be a real achievement. None of these players have been in this position and I think winning would mean we fought for something. »
– End on a good note: Canada will try to finish the World Cup with a victory, something they have done in only two of their last seven tournaments. Team Canada’s leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had just 15 points in Friday’s loss to Serbia (along with a game-high nine assists), but he will finish this World Cup year by becoming the only Canadian player to average at least 20 points per game in the tournament. When Jordi Fernández spoke to the media after Canada’s semifinal loss to Serbia, he had already moved on from disappointment at the loss to excitement at having the opportunity to play the third-place match against the United States on Sunday. “What we need to do now is bounce back and be motivated for the next game,” Fernández said. “Me personally? I’m already looking forward to it. 10 minutes ago I was very angry and now I am very excited. We will bounce back. »
With one last opportunity to give everything for the red and white, Canada is ready for its final match.
“We want to leave this tournament excited and take this program to the top,” Fernández said.
– How to watch: Fans in Canada will be able to follow the match live on Sportsnet, as well as streaming on SN Now.
2023-09-10 21:28:16
#Canada #face #United #States #FIBA #World #Cup #aiming #bronze #medal
