Canada stuns, unseats defending champ Spain

MANILA, Philippines – There will be a new FIBA World Cup champion this time around.

World No. 15 Canada knocked out defending champions Spain on Sunday night, 88-85 in a game that went down the wire, giving the Canadians the last spot in the final phase of the basketball meet.

With Spain leading by three, 80-77, following a pair of free throws by Willy Hernangomez, Dillon Brooks hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 1:19 remaining.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped back from top of the key and cashed in the long two to give them an 82-80 lead with 44 seconds left.

Canada’s Lu Dort then stole the ball in the next possession following a bad pass from Dario Brizuela.

Gilgeous-Alexander sank both free throws to keep Spain at bay, 84-80.

Juan Nunez dropped in a layup with 15 seconds remaining to cut the lead, 84-82.

A pair of Gilgeous-Alexander freebies gave them a four point lead anew.

But Santi Aldama countered with a 3-pointer with five seconds remaining to cut the lead to one.

Gilgeous-Alexander calmly sank the final free throws to set the final score.

An Alex Abrines 3-pointer from way beyond rimmed out as Spain ended its reign.

Spain led by as much as 12 points in the game, and they held the lead for more than 28 minutes.

Gilgeous-Alexander tops-cored Canada with 30 points followed by Brooks with 22.

Hernangomez finished with 25 points for Spain.