CANADA NETS EXHIBITION WIN

August 10, 2010

Showcasing local talent in front of a hometown crowd, the Canadian squad opened the Jack Donohue International Classic with a decisive 86-62 victory over China.

Basketball devotees filed into Rogers Arena Tuesday evening to take in the action, the first game of the exhibition series in preparation for the FIBA world championships that start on August 28th.

Canada's 2010 Senior Men's National team features four BC-born players, Levon Kendall, Tyler Kepkay and Robert Sacre of Vancouver, as well as the group's youngest member at 19, Kelly Olynyk of Kamloops.

Both teams enjoyed support from the crowd, the hometown advantage leveled by the enthusiastic showing of team China fans. But the Canadians had a little extra jump in their step anyways, their energy high from the tip off until the final buzzer sounded.

Canada got their fans into the game early, with Kendall securing the first basket before bringing the crowd to their feet, converting a steal by Montreal native Joel Anthony of the NBA's Miami Heat into an impressive dunk.

Getting off to a quick start Canada continued to build their lead and found themselves ahead 41-16 by half time.

Looking a little outmatched, tallying only eight points in the first two quarters China picked up the intensity after the break, but ultimately the team was unable to catch the Canada, who found their stride early and didn't look back.

Guard Andy Rautins, selected in the second round of this year's NBA draft by the New York Mets, led the charge with 19 points, including four three-pointers. Toronto native Jevohn Shepherd tacked another 16 points onto the score.

Canada battled aggressively at both ends of the court - their relentless defensive play a key to their success. The team, led by Anthony who registered eight rebounds, and also added eight points, limited China's offensive threats.

China, led by guard Lui Wei with 19 points including a pair of three-pointers, didn't go down without a fight, tallying 27 points in the third quarter. However, the effort wasn't enough to rein in the Canadian squad.

Sitting 19th in the FIBA world rankings, preparing for their first world championship since 2002, Canada's chemistry and hustle pushed them to a decisive win over 9th seated China.

Following the victory, Canadian coach, Leo Rautins credited the team's depth and strength as a unit for pulling off the win, and hopes those same factors will translate into success at the upcoming world championships in Turkey.

The John Donohue International Classic continues as the Canadian team heads east to Toronto, where the Air Canada Centre will host two back to back games against France.