The Dominican Republic men’s basketball team lost to Canada 95-75 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 – Americas Qualifier in Hamilton, Canada on Friday, 1 July 2022. The team redeemed its loss when playing the DR in summer 2021.
Writing on the game, FIBA highlighted:
“Dominican Republic was not scared by the home team’s crowd however and responded with pressure to force multiple turnovers that lead to baskets in transition, and Rigoberto Mendoza knew exactly how to keep his team grounded alongside Canada’s fast-paced game – slowing down their offense and not getting flustered by Canada’s physicality was key.
“In turn, by staying calm while Canada continued to foul, Dominican Republic found themselves at the free throw line more often than not and managed to take the lead three minutes into the second quarter – flustering Canada and leading to more easy baskets.
“Defensively Dominican Republic had trouble deflecting Canada’s ball movements and sharp-shooting, but seemingly always had an answer when they came back down the court, taking all one-on-one opportunities to drive the net in hopes of a Canada foul.”
The DR continues to play in the qualifiers that are taking place from November 2021 to February 2023, with national sides playing home and away games in each of these event windows. Seven countries from the Americas will earn a spot to compete at the 32-team FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 to take place 25 August to 10 September 2023 in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.
Angel Delgado and Victor Liz have been on the list of the top performers for the Americas qualifiers.
The DR is to play Bahamas as the qualifier continues in Nassau, the Bahamas on 4 July 2022. The DR had defeated Bahamas in the previous encounter held in the Dominican Republic.
Follow the action:
Sportsnet
DR vs Canada game highlights
FIBA
FIBA
Tribune 242
FIBA
4 July 2022