Canada outlasts Dominicans for 3rd straight win at Tuto Marchand tourney

Canada overcame a slow start and continued its dominance on the boards in posting a third straight victory at the 2015 Tuto Marchand Continental Cup, 86-74 over Dominican Republic on Tuesday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Canadian men's national team outrebounded its opponent 52-29, with Anthony Bennett and Melvin Ejim combining for 19 boards and 24 points.

Brady Heslip was strong off the bench, delivering 14 points on 5-for-12 shooting.

"I think both teams got off to a real slow start … but we were able to get things going in the second half," Canada's head coach Jay Triano said. "We let them back in the game.

"I thought we were more aggressive in their defence and attacking the basket."

The Dominicans closed to within four points in the fourth quarter before Canada employed a shut-down defence.

We know that they had about five of their key guys missing, so the other guys really stepped up for them and played hard.- Canada's Cory Joseph on the Dominican Republic

Bennett dominated in the paint to ignite a 15-0 run more than six minutes into the fourth quarter and the Canadians won the period 24-21.

"We know that they had about five of their key guys missing, so the other guys really stepped up for them and played hard," said Canada's Cory Joseph.

Canada showed its depth in the second quarter, hitting three consecutive 3-pointers to take a 43-27 lead they extended to 48-31 before the break.

The Dominicans kept the game close in the third quarter by taking advantage of transition opportunities as the Canadians struggled to connect on jump shots and held a 62-53 advantage entering the final quarter.

Canada will play the host Puerto Ricans on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.