By REYNALD MAGALLON
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett formed a deadly one-two punch as Canada frustrated Luka Doncic and Slovenia, 100-89, to advance to its very first semifinals appearance in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Sept.6.
Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 31 points while Barrett chipped in 24 as the two connived in a furious second half rally where the Canadians created the much-needed separation from what was initially thought to be a grind-out affair.
Gilgeous-Alexander also added 10 rebounds while Barrett collared nine for Canada which opened the third frame with a 17-5 rally that broke a 50-all deadlock at the break.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dillon Brooks, before getting thrown out, finished with 14 apiece.
The two also took advantage of the foul situation of the Slovenians as the Canadians lived from the foul line with 26 free throws as compared to Slovenia’s 17.
LUKA EJECTED
Slovenia head coach Aleksander Sekulic criticized the hounding defense being thrown at Luka Doncic and yet not getting the foul calls from the officials.
The physical defense and the non-calls left the Slovenian star frustrated, leading to his ejection after picking up two technical fouls for continuous complaining.
Sekulic defended Doncic’s actions on the floor where he was seen reacting to every non-calls and repeatedly complaining to the referees.
Still he finished with 26 but shot 8 of 20 from the field.
“It’s difficult to play a game if you get hit constantly all game long. It’s difficult to control the emotions and we worked a lot on this but it’s very difficult,” said Sekulic after the game.
“He has the ball a lot in his hands and it’s frustrating. You get tired from this. It’s very difficult, that’s why the emotions came up,” he added.
Canada 100 – Gilgeous-Alexander 31, Barrett 24, Brooks 14, Alexander-Walker 14, Dort 8, Olynyk 7, Alexander 2, Powell 0, Ejim 0, Bell-Haynes DNP, Edey DNP, Scrubb DNP.
Slovenia 89 – Doncic 26, K. Prepelic 22, Dragic 10, Nikolic 8, Tobey 8, Hrovat 7, Blazic 3, Cebasek 3, Dimec 2, B. Prepelic 0, Glas DNP, Samar DNP.
Quarters: 26-24; 50-50; 80-71; 100-89.
