CAN/DOM - Canada qualifies for the 2010 FIBA World Championship!

SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - In a game full of emotions, Canada defeated the Dominican Republic and at the same time grabbed a berth for the 2010 FIBA World Championship. The field is now complete as Canada joins Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico.

Jermaine Anderson led Canada with 21 points, Carl English 13, Jesse Young 11 and Levon Kendall 10 with 11 rebounds. Aaron Doornekamp scored 8 points but made two big baskets, key in the Canadian win.

The game was close and full of up and downs from start to finish. The Dominican Republic won the first quarter 16-13 led by Charlie Villanueva who scored 7 points.

In the second quarter Luis Flores along with Carlos Morban led the Dominicans to take a 35-30 halftime lead. Morban led the Dominicans with 8 points while Jesse Young had 7, Jermaine Anderson and Carl English netted 5 each.

Carl English made two straight three pointers to take a 56-51 lead but they never pulled away as the Dominicans came back and ended the first 30 minutes tied at 56.

In the final quarter Canada had some big baskets from long range, especially by Andy Rautins, Jermaine Anderson who completed a four point play and Aaron Doornekamp who got Canada up by four (76-72) with 1:26 left.

Joel Anthony made two free throws with 19.2 seconds left to give Canada a 78-74 lead but Al Horford dunked on an offensive rebound to put the game back by two. Levon Kendall received a foul with 13.9 seconds left but injured his nose, so Andy Rautins made both of them to secure the huge win for team Canada.

Canada hasn't qualified for a FIBA World Championship since 2002 where they finished in 13 place. The Dominicans have missed the FIBA World Championship since 1978.

Luis Flores along with Charlie Villanueva had 17 points each and Al Horford finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

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