Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada advance to World Cup second round

The Canadians didn’t travel halfway across the globe just to compete — they came to win some hardware. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, they’ve already advanced to the second round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup over in Asia.

On Sunday morning, SGA powered Canada to a dominating 128-73 win over Lebanon in what was their second game of group-stage action. With the overwhelming victory, Canada moves to 2-0 in the event and has already locked up a spot in the next round with one more group game left to go. Canada demolished France by 30 in game one on Friday morning.

After finishing with 27 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 27 minutes against France, SGA didn’t need to get anywhere near those kinds of numbers to beat Lebanon. That being said, the former Kentucky point guard still registered 12 points (5-8 FG), five rebounds, and five assists in just 17 minutes. It was an impressive showing from the team as a whole, as Canada shot a blistering 50-70 from the field (71.4 percent) and dished out a World Cup record 44 assists.

Remember that Canada has never medaled in the FIBA World Cup, dating back to the nation’s first appearance in 1950. But with SGA as the floor general, the Canadians have a chance to do more than just medal — they can make a run for gold.

KAT, Gabriel pull out game two wins

It’s not just Gilgeous-Alexander who’s in Asia representing his country as a former Wildcat. Karl-Anthony Towns and Eloy Vargas have the Dominican Republic off to a 2-0 start with an incredibly high chance of joining Canada in the second round.

After sneaking past the Philippines on Friday morning 87-81, the Dominican Republic got past Italy on Sunday morning, winning by a final score of 87-82. Towns was once again the star for DR, posting 24 points (tied for the game-high) to go along with 11 rebounds and five assists in nearly 32 minutes. The seven-footer went 7-15 from the floor overall and connected on four of his nine three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Vargas — Towns’ backup — chipped in three points and seven rebounds in just 11 minutes.

Fueled by 16 made triples, the Dominican Republic used a 16-4 run early in the third quarter to grow its two-point edge into a 14-point advantage. DR would lead by as many as 17 points before Italy made it close down the stretch, but the outcome was never truly in doubt during the final period.

“It was a good second half for us,” Towns said postgame, according to FIBA. “Just being disciplined and finding ways to keep our World Cup lives going. Super nice way to get a win. I’m super happy for us, man. It was amazing. I mean it’s huge. We came in and won. Our country has been yearning for these moments, and I’m glad we’re able to give it. Next up is Angola so we gotta do it again. We have to keep fighting and keep playing like this.” 

With Sunday’s victory, the Dominican Republic can secure its spot in the second round with a win over Angola on Tuesday morning, or a loss from Italy against the Philippines.

Finally, Wenyen Gabriel and South Sudan won its first-ever World Cup game on Monday morning with a convincing 89-69 victory over China. Gabriel has been solid in both outings for his country, contributing 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three blocks in a heartbreaking loss to open the event against Puerto Rico. Although he wasn’t as impactful in the win over China — three points and five rebounds in 20 minutes — the one-time ‘Cat continues to make winning plays.

South Sudan only gained its national independence in 2011 but isn’t shy about being a contender in this event. There is talent spread across the roster and the team now has confidence that they know winning is obtainable. If South Sudan can upset Serbia on Wednesday, the possibility of moving on to round two will be alive and well.

If this keeps up, we could see all four former Wildcats at the World Cup playing in the Round of 16.