Orlando Magic power forward Andrew Nicholson was the star, earning the man of the match award with 15 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Even a pair of early turnovers by Nik Stauskas didn’t matter too much early as Canada jumped out to a 26-17 first-quarter lead, with Wiggins scoring 10 points on 4-for-4 shooting.
Canada was led offensively by bench player Brady Heslip’s 23 points.
Wiggins, who said Monday that he thought he would enjoy the insane atmosphere at Palacio de los Desportes, certainly did. It was Mexico’s first loss of the Olympic qualifying tournament and it pushed Canada into a tie with Mexico for second place in the tournament’s standings.
Canada could very well meet Mexico on Friday in a sudden-death game for a trip to the Rio Olympics next summer and Tuesday’s results may weigh on some minds.
Canada plays Mexico on Tuesday night before closing out the second round of group play against the Dominican Republic on Wednesday. After Day 4 of the second round, the top four teams will advance to the semifinals of this year’s tournament. “Rookie of the Year in the National Basketball Association, he’s adapted and fit into everything that we’ve asked him to do with our team here and because of that he’s become one of our leaders”.
“You didn’t have to say anything to anyone [before the game]”, said Melvin Ejim, one of four Canadians who scored in double figures, chipping in 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Canada’s defence – a source of great pride for coach Jay Triano – stifled a normally good Mexican offence.
Andrew Wiggins and his Canadian teammates insisted they would not be intimidated by a raucous crowd, they wouldn’t cower in the big moment and, based on their showing against previously undefeated Mexico, it’s tough to argue otherwise. “And I’m confident they can pull through but it’s definitely going to be an immensely hard game for us”. This is a good a Canadian team as there has ever been but Nash also wants to see what it can lead to. “I think the biggest thing this tournament for us is just continuing to grow because we obviously on any night can beat anybody but we can also get beat, especially in a one off like that”.
Argentina, the Athens 2004 Olympic champions, who have been in superb form throughout the two rounds of competition so far in Mexico City, overcame a slow start to cruise past Panama 84-57.
“It’s a simple formula”, said Nicholson, a physics major.
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There will be other nights when Canada needs Wiggins to light the fire.
