Canada shocks USA in OT to claim FIBA World Cup bronze

Canada pulled off an upset against Team USA, 127-118, in overtime in the third place match of the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The United States was trailing by ten early in the fourth period before they made a 12-0 run to reclaim the lead, 96-94. The two teams were then tied again at 100 before things went neck-and-neck and Team USA took the lead, 107-106 with 1:33 left in the said frame.

Dillon Brooks split his freebies, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave Canada a 109-107 lead. Brooks' free throws widened Canada's lead to 111-107 then a split and triple by Mikal Bridges tied the game at 111 and forced overtime after Kelly Olynyk missed his three-point attempt.

Canada led by six early in the extra period but the Americans cut their deficit to four after two free throws from Austin Reaves from a Dwight Powell foul. Canada recovered quickly and RJ Barrett eventually drilled the dagger three at the 0:44 mark of overtime. Brooks' freebies sealed the bronze medal for Canada.

Brooks posted a game-high 39 points on top of five assists and four rebounds, while SGA registered a double-double of 31 points and 12 assists. Barrett added 23 points for Canada.

Anthony Edwards had 24 points for Team USA while Reaves and Bridges chipped in 23 and 19 points, respectively. 

This is world no. 15 Canada's first World Cup win against world no. 2 United States and highest finish in the tourney as it ended its campaign with six wins against France, Lebanon, and Latvia in the first round, Spain in the second round, and Slovenia in the quarterfinals. Canada fell to Brazil in the second round and to Serbia in the semifinals.

The United States, meanwhile, missed the podium for the second straight edition of the World Cup as it finished seventh in 2019. Team USA had a total of five wins after sweeping their first round matches against New Zealand, Greece, and Jordan, against Montenegro in the second round, and over Italy in the quarterfinals. It had its first loss against Lithuania in the second round and fell to Germany in the semis.

Canada and USA have also directly qualified to the 2024 Paris Olympics being the top two teams from the Americas in the World Cup.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News