Canada has qualified for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
A 94-67 victory over Brazil in Sao Paulo Monday night clinched Canada's berth in next year's tournament. The Canadians were led by a game-high 25 points from Kyle Wiltjer, who led all scorers for the second straight game in the FIBA Americas Qualifiers.
Statement win. #WeAreTeamCanada #FIBAWC #ThisIsMyHouse pic.twitter.com/ug3lq8wD2g
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) December 3, 2018
Ô Canada 🇨🇦 you just made it to the #FIBAWC 2019 🎊 pic.twitter.com/9S6wRm2Luo
— Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) December 3, 2018
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The Brazilians jumped out to a two-point lead to end the first quarter that seemed to flatter the hosts given the way the rest of the game would unfold. Unfazed by the small deficit, Canada outscored the hosts by 13 in the second quarter, setting the tone for the eventual rout. In addition to Wiltjer's offensive outburst, balanced scoring by the visitors defined the contest as the Brazilians didn't have an answer for Canada's three other double-digit scorers.
.@PhilScrubb23 with the final say heading into halftime 💪 @CanBball with a 45-34 lead 🔥
— DAZN CA (@DAZN_CA) December 3, 2018
💻 Watch the second half LIVE on #DAZN!#ThisIsMyHouse #WeAreTeamCanada pic.twitter.com/rflsEi29Ar
With an 11-point lead to enter the second half, the Canadians didn't allow Brazil any thoughts of a comeback. Canada continued to push the pace, opening up a 24-point gap by the end of the third quarter. From there, it was academic as the Canadians cruised to victory and a spot in China for the World Cup.
Hey Canada 🇨🇦! Make sure those passports don't expire before August 2019... We're ALL taking a trip to China! #WeAreTeamCanada #FIBAWC #ThisIsMyHouse pic.twitter.com/Hb31WkgRSF
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) December 3, 2018
Canada (8-2) still has two more qualifying games left, to be played in February against Chile and Venezuela.