CIS Hoops.ca

Canada opened preliminary round play in Group A of the FISU Games men's basketball tournament in Bangkok, Thailand with a convincing 96-43 victory over the host Thailand team. The game was basically over midway through the first quarter as Canada led by 17, extending the lead to 38 by halftime at 53-15 and Canada then cruised to the opening-day win. Canada now leads Group A in advance of their second game later today (Wednesday in Thailand) against New Zealand at 9:30 PM Eastern time. 6'3" Garry Gallimore (Ottawa, ON/St.FX - pictured), one of two Canadian team captains named prior to the game for Canada, led Canada with 20 points and 6 rebounds while the other captain 6'3" Jamie McNeilly (Scarborough, ON/New Orleans) added 10 as Canada had 5 players in double figures. 6'10" Neil MacDonald (Sydney Mines, NS/St.FX) added 18 points and 9 boards, including 7 on the offensive glass, for Canada, which dominated the rebounding numbers 54-16 overall including 26 on the offensive glass alone. 6'9" Theo Davis (Brampton, ON/Gonzaga) had 10 points and 12 rebounds (7 offensive) while 6'5" Jevohn Shepherd (Scarborough, ON/Michigan) added 13 points and 4 rebounds for Canada (1-0). Canada shot 60% overall from 2 point land while holding Thailand to 31% from the floor and forced 27 Thailand turnovers. With the victory, Canada is likely assured of at least second place in Group A and will very likely move forward to the championship round of 16 starting later this week; but first later today against what will more than likely be a much more formidable opponent in New Zealand.

In other international basketball news, Latinbasket.com is reporting that in the opening round of the Super 4 tournament in Argentina yesterday, the host Argentinians defeated Uruguay 82-74 while Spain defeated Canada in the other game (no score reported).