In a friendly game against the Ivory Coast held in Canarias Spain, Canada received a shocking surprise however managed to pull through. The first quarter both teams played very physical basketball but it was the Ivory Coast that put on the most heat. The first quarter Canada took a small lead of 3 points (23-20) and managed to finish the first half fine. However, after the break the Ivory Coast players notched up their defense and held Canada to only 13 points. In the final quarter, Canada came back like lightening and stronger and was able to carry the victory within the last minute of the game.
Tomorrow, Canada will face host Spain who is expected to win.
Box Score
Ivory Coast (23+23+23+23), 92: Konate (15), Lamizana (6), Soumahoro (4), Amagou (18), Kone (19) -starters-, G.Landry (0), Diabate (8), Abouo (0), Kale (4), N’Diaye (6), Assie (10), Tape (2).
CANADA (20+31+13+31), 95: Bell (5), Shepherd (27), Brown (12), K.Landry (8), Wright (10) -starters-, Archibald (0), Baker (6), Bandoumel (0), Trasolini (7), Brempong (1), Olynyk (9), Heslip (10), Gottselig (0).
With the marks of top Spanish National teams and figures such as Rafael Nadal who just won the Wimbledon after a 44 year drought for Spanish Players and the Spanish Soccer team who also won the Euro2008 after not winning in the 40s. The national teams for Spain both women and men are hoping to follow in those footsteps in Pekin during the Olympic Summer Basketball Games!