Canada finishes second at FIBA Americas under-18 championships

VALDIVIA, Chile — Toronto’s Nickeil Walker scored a game-high 25 points, but it wasn’t enough as Canada settled for second at the FIBA Americas under-18 men’s championship on Saturday, falling 99-84 to the United States.

Despite the loss, Canada still advances to next year’s U19 world championships.

“We are disappointed because we believe we had a real shot to bring home a gold for our country, but extremely proud of our group for fighting through injury and adversity and never giving up,” said Canadian coach Roy Rana.

“Canada should be proud of these young men. They battled hard for our country. We will continue to strive for improvement and look to represent at next year’s Worlds in Cairo.”

The Canadian side kept it close in the first half and trailed 48-44 at the break, but a strong third quarter helped the Americans build a 12-point cushion they didn’t give up.

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The 17-year-old Walker, a six-foot-five guard who’s committed to Virginia Tech in the fall, went on a 7-0 run by himself midway through the fourth to bring Canada within two points, 82-80. But the U.S. finished the game on a 17-2 run to earn the gold medal.

Abu Kigab added 17 points for Canada while O’Shae Brissett and James Wagner had 11 each.

Canada shot just 39.1 per cent from the field, including 13 for 39 from three-point range. The U.S. shot 46.8 per cent and was 6 of 19 from beyond the arc.

Markelle Fultz led the American squad with 23 points.

The Canadian Press