Canada beat Slovenia to march to FIBA Basketball World Cup semifinals

By Can Erozden

Canada on Wednesday beat Slovenia 100-89 to book their place to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup semifinals.

Canadian players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett combined for 55 points to help their nation win over Slovenia in Manila.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who is also an Oklahoma City Thunder guard, scored 31 points to be the game's highest scorer. He also took 10 rebounds to post a double-double.

Barrett missed a double-double, but still produced 24 points and nine rebounds.

Slovenia were led by Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Luka Doncic as the 24-year-old racked up 26 points.

Doncic was disqualified after a second technical foul in the fourth quarter while Slovenia were 15 points behind, 77-92.

Klemen Prepelic, one of the main pillars of Slovenia, added 22 points.

Canada will next face Serbia, the 2014 World Cup silver medalists, on Friday.

Earlier Wednesday, Germany beat Latvia 81-79 to advance to the semifinal. The 2002 bronze medalists will play against five-time champions US in the next round in Manila on Friday.