Gilgeous-Alexander leads Canada to OT win over Spain in FIBA World Cup tune-up
Canadian men wrap up exhibition schedule Friday against Dominican Republic
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 22 points and added eight rebounds as Canada beat defending world basketball champions Spain 85-80 in overtime in a tune-up for the FIBA World Cup on Thursday in Granada.
RJ Barrett added 18 points, Dwight Powell had 12 points and 12 rebounds and Kelly Olynyk contributed 11 points, five rebounds and six assists.
"It was good," said Barrett. "They're a really well-coached team. They played extremely hard. It was a good test for us. Another great team win. They're [ranked] No. 1 in the world for a reason. It felt good to come in here and get a win."
.<a href="https://twitter.com/RjBarrett6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RjBarrett6</a> been feelin it since the jump 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneTeam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/zylaSTveUM">pic.twitter.com/zylaSTveUM</a>
—@CanBballCanada started overtime on a 7-0 run after Barrett found Powell for a dunk before Dillon Brooks hit a three-pointer.
Barrett later gave Canada an 80-73 lead with 3:15 remaining after a dunk of his own following a steal.
Spain's Victor Claver hit a three in the final minutes to cut Canada's lead to two. Barrett, however, hit a jump shot and two free throws to keep Canada ahead down the stretch.
Former Toronto Raptor Juancho Hernangomez led Spain with 12 points and five rebounds.
Canada improved to 3-1 in exhibition play heading into the 2023 World Cup, which starts Aug. 25 in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Canada plays France on the opening day in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Canadians wrap up their exhibition schedule with a game Friday against the Dominican Republic in Granada.
