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United States World University Games team falls to Canada, won’t medal

hancock

USA Basketball

Following their nine-point loss to Australia on Thursday, the United States World University Games team needed to beat Canada by ten points or more to guarantee themselves a spot in the medal round.

Baylor senior guard Brady Heslip had other ideas as he scored 20 points off the bench to lead Canada (5-0) to a 94-85 victory, nullifying a 27-point outing by Louisville senior Luke Hancock. Now out of medal contention, the U.S. (3-2) will compete for ninth place in the consolation bracket.

Bob McKillop’s squad hit 15 three-pointers (on 32 attempts) on the day while Canada made eight (15 attempts), but it was the work inside of the arc that ultimately made the difference. Canada, which also received 13 points from Arizona State senior Jordan Bachynski and ten from Stanford senior Dwight Powell, made 49.1% of its two-point attempts while the U.S. shot 35% inside of the arc.

“We probably could have done a few things better defensively, and we could have finished around the basket maybe a little bit better, but you have to give [Canada] credit. They are a good team,” said BYU junior Tyler Haws following the defeat.

Also reaching double figures for the U.S. were Creighton senior Doug McDermott (17 points, nine rebounds) and Baylor senior Cory Jefferson (17 points, seven rebounds), with Colorado junior guard Spencer Dinwiddie dishing out a game-high eight assists.

Canada will be joined by Australia (4-1) as Group C representatives in the medal round, with the Australians beating the United Arab Emirates 131-43 Friday morning.

Raphielle can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.