CAN - Canada top France again

TORONTO (FIBA World Championship) - Canada continued their strong preparations for the FIBA World Championship with a second straight warm-up win over France on Friday night.

Andy Rautins, fresh from signing a rookie contract with the New York Knicks, knocked down 19 points to lead the hosts to victory.

A strong defensive effort early on saw Canada pull out 24-12 ahead and Leo Rautins' men ensured there was no way back for France.

Jevohn Shepherd had 12 points for Canada and Denham Brown 10.

Florent Pietrus led France with 16 points while Nicolas Batum added 11.

“We just didn’t play a full game,” Batum said. “[Canada] played hard for 40 minutes and we did not. That is why we lost.”

Canada had beaten France 69-58 on Thursday night but the second win was even more convincing, with a brief run in the third period the only time France had the better of them.

"The third quarter was a little frustrating," said Leo Rautins. "We kind of had the same thing against China [an 86-62 win for Canada in Vancouver on Tuesday], the third quarter we came out a little lax. But they found a way to get out of it -- that's the key."

Canada are now heading to Athens to continue their preparations.

FIBA

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