FIBA OQT: Canada escapes Senegal, nabs semis berth

Canada vs Senegal in a FIBA OQT match at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Canada got a surprise challenge from Senegal before eking out a 58-55 thriller to become the first team in the semifinals in the Fiba Manila Olympic qualifying tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Canadians, who came off a 77-69 victory over Turkey, leaned on Corey Joseph late to avoid an upset.

Joseph, the Toronto Raptors guard, led his team for the second straight game with 13 points, including five points in the last two minutes and 45 seconds of the game where both teams where both teams had to bleed for their points.

“I think it was a great game if you love defense. Both teams were very good defensively. Senegal, give credit to their team, they did a good job of disrupting us in transition and our three point shots,” said Canada head coach Jay Triano.

Clevin Hannah missed a last-second triple that would’ve sent the game into overtime.

Tristan Thompson just missed a double-double with seven points and 10 rebounds while Tyler Ennis added 12 for the Canadians, who poses as a potential opponent by the Philippines should the Filipinos beat New Zealand to advance to the next round.

Maurice Ndour and Clevin Hannah combined for 29 points to lead Senegal, which vies for a spot in the semis against Turkey on Thursday.

Ndour also recorded 10 rebounds and six blocks and made 4-of-8 from the three-point area. His last triple beat the shot clock and pulled Senegal within a point with under a minute left.

Senegal plays Turkey on Thursday in the last day of the group stage before the tournament goes on a one day break.