Canada takes the lead in Group A with a win over Australia.

Canada defeated Australia 93-83 on Tuesday (Feb. 30) at the Pierre Moreau Stadium in Lille, France, in a Group A matchup at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

The victory was Canada’s second straight in the group stage and gave them a commanding lead in Group A. Australia is now 1-1, 사설 토토사이트 tied with Spain (1-1).

It was a big game for Canada’s key players. RJ Barrett led the way with 24 points, including three three-pointers, to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. Shai Gilgers-Alexander added 16 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Dillon Brooks had 16 points and three rebounds.

Australia got 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists from Josh Giddy, 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists from Jake Randale, and 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists from Dante Exum, but they were unable to capitalize on Canada’s strong defense.

Australia actually committed a whopping 18 turnovers on the night. Canada’s pressure and trimming resulted in 11 steals and a 28-10 advantage in points off turnovers.

After a seesaw game with Australia’s narrow advantage in the first half, the momentum slowly shifted in Canada’s favor midway through the third quarter.

After a jumper from Gilgers-Alexander and a three from Barrett, Canada chipped away at the lead with a three from Lou Dotts. Dwight Powell added a steal and Barrett a floater.

Australia responded with a strong run of their own. Zach McVeigh’s three-pointer at the end of the third quarter tied the game again.

But Canada regained the lead at the start of the fourth quarter on a Cam Burch layup and a Dylan Brooks jumper, followed by a Barrett fastbreak three to give Canada an 81-72 lead with 5:10 left in the period. A Jamal Murray jumper gave Canada an 11-point lead.

Australia tried to fight back with a pair of baskets from Randale, but once the momentum shifted, it never came back.

Barrett’s free throws with 1:32 left sealed the deal for Canada, and they held on for the win.