Canadian men’s basketball team tops Dominican Republic in FIBA AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers
Canada Defeats Dominican Republic in FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers
Canada opened the second window of the FIBA men’s AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers with a strong 88-71 victory over the Dominican Republic on Thursday at Sasktel Centre in Saskatoon. The Canadian team, led by head coach Nathaniel Mitchell, showcased a blend of newer and older players on the squad, improving their record to 3-0 in the qualifiers.
Mfiondu Kabengele had an impressive performance, scoring a team-high 17 points and recording two blocks. Trae Bell-Haynes also made a significant contribution with eight points, four rebounds, and a game-high ten assists.
Despite limited practice time, Canada displayed seamless teamwork on the court. Coach Mitchell praised the young players who seamlessly integrated into the team, highlighting the federation’s commitment to developing talent. He mentioned that three players from the U19 gold medal team in 2017 had the opportunity to play at the senior level, showcasing the depth of Canadian basketball talent.
Up next, Canada will face Mexico in their quest to remain undefeated in the qualifiers. The team’s solid performance against the Dominican Republic has boosted their confidence as they prepare for the upcoming matchup.
On the other side, LJ Figueroa led the Dominican Republic with 18 points, but they couldn’t match Canada’s dominant play throughout the game. Canada began to pull away in the second quarter, extending their lead to 11 points with impressive plays from Jackson Rowe, who contributed with back-to-back three-pointers and a crucial block.
As the game progressed, Canada continued to build on their lead, with Rowe and Fardaw Aimaq making key plays to secure the victory. The team honored the late Chad Posthumus, a 3×3 and senior men’s national team athlete, who tragically passed away at the age of 33. The players wore black patches on their jerseys with “CP” in memory of Posthumus, who was a beloved member of the Canadian basketball community.
Reflecting on Posthumus’ impact, Bell-Haynes emphasized the brotherhood within Canada Basketball and how they play in his honor. The gesture to pay tribute to Posthumus was a touching moment that united the team in remembrance of their fallen comrade.
Overall, Canada’s victory over the Dominican Republic was a testament to their talent and unity as a team. With their eyes set on the upcoming challenges in the qualifiers, the Canadian squad is determined to continue their winning streak and make their mark on the international basketball stage.
