Heslip leads Canada over Bahamas 113-67 at FIBA Americas World Cup qualifier

Feb 25, 2018 | 9:00 PM

NASSAU, Bahamas — Brady Heslip had a team-high 19 points as the Canadian men’s basketball team beat the Bahamas 113-67 on Sunday in first-round play at the FIBA Americas World Cup qualifier.

Melvin Ejim added 15 points while Anthony Bennett, Adika Peter-McNeilly and Thomas Scrubb chipped in 10 points apiece to help Canada improve its record to 3-1 in Group D play. 

Canada knocked down six three-pointers in the opening quarter to lead 25-21 after the first. The Canadians used an 11-0 run to grow their lead to 36-23 and entered the half with a 21 point advantage.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge playing against the home team in their country,” said Heslip. “Coach (Gordie Herbert) prepared us for the game and we improved on the things we didn’t do well in the first game and we were able to just play good defence and make some shots and get the win tonight.”

Canada downed the Bahamas 93-69 in Halifax before falling 88-76 against the host Dominican Republic back in November. The Canadians beat the U.S. Virgin Islands 118-89 on Thursday in their first game in Nassau.

Canada is in Group D along with the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each team faces the other three teams on a home and away basis with the top three teams from each group advancing to the second round.

Canada’s pursuit of a FIBA World Cup 2019 berth will continue at home June 29 when the Canadians host the Dominican Republic in Toronto. Canada will then travel to Ottawa to conclude the first round on July 2 against the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Canadian Press