Canada's Kelly Olynyk defends Argentina's Luis Scola during their FIBA Americas game last Tuesday. (Photo : Reuters)
Canada will try to bounce back from their tough opening game defeat in the hands of Argentina on Tuesday as they face Venezuela in Group B action of the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship at the Palacio de los Deportes on September 3.
Jay Triano's boys fell to the veteran Argentine five, 94-87, as the young frontcourt duo of Kelly Olynyk and Anthony Bennett could not contain international star Luis Scola who scored inside and outside en route to a tournament high 35 points, as per FIBA Stats Live.
The Canadians had a balanced attack, which got 13 points apiece from 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins and Bennett, and 11 points each from Olynyk and backup point guard Brady Heslip. But they were a step slower than the older Argentina players, which was said to be surprising for Triano.
"I don't know if it was our first game or fatigue level but they had more bounce than we had today," the former Toronto Raptors coach said after the game, as reported by Sportsnet.
Canada will play lowly Cuba on Wednesday before this match against Venezuela, which they could use to create some momentum going into the second round of competitions.
Meanwhile, Venezuela is set to face Puerto Rico on Wednesday's matches prior to meeting Canada.
Nestor Garcia's wards opened the tourney with a 73-52 drubbing of Cuba on Monday. Reserve point guard Heissler Guillent top scored for the Venezuelans with 14 points off the bench coupled with seven assists in almost 21 minutes of playing time.
Prediction: Canada wins, 98-76
Canada starting five: Kelly Olynyk (C), Anthony Bennett (PF), Andrew Wiggins (SF), Nik Stauskas (SG), Cory Joseph (PG)
Venezuela starting five: Miguel Marriaga (C), Nestor Colmenares (PF), John Cox (SF), Jose Vargas (SG), Gregory Vargas (PG)
