Joseph, Canada falls to Puerto Rico at FIBA Americas

Facing a 15-point fourth quarter deficit, San Antonio Spurs rookie Cory Joseph and the Canadian national team staged a comeback attempt, outscoring Puerto Rico 27–17 in the final quarter, but came up short.

Cory Joseph

The game started out close, both teams exchanged baskets throughout the first quarter that ended with Puerto Rico up by just one-point 22-21.

In the second quarter, Puerto Rico went on to a 9-2 run which helped propel them to a 42-29 lead heading into halftime. The Canadians dug themselves into a hole after scoring just eight points in the entire second quarter.

During the second half, Carl English tried to bring Canada back in the game, scoring eight third quarter points, but Puerto Rico continued to score from the outside and stretched their lead to 15 points going into the final quarter.

Canada began their comeback early in the fourth quarter, going on an 11–2 run to cut the lead to six points led by Denham Brown, Joseph and Kelly Olynyk.

Venezuela escaped Joseph, Canada in overtime

After back-to-back wins at the FIBA Americas tournament, San Antonio Spurs’ Cory Joseph and Team Canada knew that they will be in for a tough battle against Venezuela.

Despite the loss, Cory Joseph and Team Canada advanced into the second round.

Heading into the game, Canada had allowed the second lowest amount of points in the tournament, and head coach Leo Rautins understands that defense will be their key to success.

Canada shot an impressive 49 percent from the field for the game, but allowed Venezuela to shoot 52 percent, and that proved to be the difference.

Venezuela led 23-21 after one quarter and held on to a 40-38 lead at the half.

It was a see-saw battle throughout the game, as Canada took the lead 63-62 going into the fourth quarter.

Venezuela won the fourth quarter 22-21 that sent the game into overtime.

Dominican Republic beat Canada in exciting finish

After losing their first two games at the Tuto Marchand Cup, San Antonio Spurs rookie Cory Joseph and Team Canada were determined to get a win.

Facing the Dominican Republic team which showed resilience against Brazil, the Canadians never backed down.

Canada finished the first quarter trailing by only two points, 15-17; but lost composure during the second period as the Dominican Republic dominated 22-11 and went into halftime with a 39-26 lead over Canada.

The Canadians took the third quarter 17-15 to cut the deficit 43-54 heading into the final period.

Joseph, Canada not enough against Puerto Rico

After sitting out their first game at the Tuto Marchand Cup against Team Brazil, San Antonio Spurs rookie Cory Joseph got back into action against Puerto Rico.

Spurs Cory Joseph played for Team Canada against Puerto Rico.

It was a close game in the entire first half, the Canadians led 15-14 after the first quarter and then held a 32-30 margin at the half.