Group Orange
Canada(0-0) -V- Turkey(0-0)After the excitement that was Group Red, it was Group Orange's turn to take center stage. The packed house in Brazil was eager to see the first game as both Canada and Turkey had some well known CSL players. In what was dubbed the 'Group of Life' as it was a common opinion that any team within this group could make it out if the ball bounced in their court and they played well, the two teams were ready for the tip.
Canada seemed to cause some problems for Turkey's offense as they forced several turnovers in the first few minutes of action. One play in particular ending in a monstrous jam from Canadian star Andrew Wiggins, something that had become commonplace in Phoenix with the Suns. Although Turkish guard Sinan Guler tried his best to close out on the perimeter shooters of Canada, it was futile as Nik Stauskas and Andrew Nicholson heated up and carried Canada to a 49-34 lead at halftime.
Things didn't improve much for Turkey for the remainder of the game as Canada seemed to easily be the more athletic and organized team. Enes Kanter who ironically plays in Canada for the Toronto Raptors professionally, did his best to keep his team in it, but it wasn't enough as Canada opened their tournament strong with a 82-62 win over Turkey.
Canada G Nik Stauskas shows his CSL-level scoring ability
Box Score
Canada(1-0)Cory Joseph 8pts - 2reb - 5ast - 0blk - 2stl
Nik Stauskas 22pts - 1reb - 2ast - 0blk - 0stl
Andrew Wiggins 17pts - 3reb - 2ast - 2blk - 1stl
Andrew Nicholson 12pts - 6reb - 1ast - 2blk - 2stl
Kelly Olynyk 5pts - 6reb - 2ast - 2blk - 0stl
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Anthony Bennett 6pts - 2reb - 1ast - 1blk - 0stl
Robert Sacre 2pts - 3reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Melvin Ejim 7pts - 1reb - 1ast - 0blk - 1stl
Dwight Powell 1pts - 2reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Philip Scrubb 2pts - 0reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Turkey(0-1)
Ali Muhammed 16pts - 0reb - 8ast - 0blk - 3stl
Sinan Guler 4pts - 1reb - 0ast - 1blk - 2stl
Ersan Ilyasova 8pts - 3reb - 2ast - 0blk - 1stl
Enes Kanter 22pts - 12reb - 2ast - 2blk - 0stl
Omer Asik 0pts - 7reb - 1ast - 1blk - 0stl
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Furkan Aldemir 6pts - 1reb - 2ast - 0blk - 0stl
Cedi Osman 2pts - 0reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Izzet Turklimaz 0pts - 2reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Ilkan Karaman 4pts - 3reb - 0ast - 0blk - 1stl
Italy(0-0) -V- Switzerland(0-0)
Switzerland was one of the lower ranked international teams heading into this tournament but with the so-called Group of Life, perhaps anything is possible. Italy came in with a versatile group that could do a bit of everything on the floor, but specialized in shooting the long ball. As expected, Italy knocked down several 3 pointers to take the early 21-10 lead in the 1st half. A surprise performance from guard Brian Savoy helped Switzerland close the gap to 5 at halftime as they trailed 35-30.
In the second half a showdown erupted as Clint Capela from Switzerland and Danilo Gallinari from Italy went at each other practically 60% of the possessions with Italy having the last laugh in a hard fought 63-56 win.
Box Score
Italy(1-0)Pablo Prigioni 3pts - 0reb - 8ast - 0blk - 1stl
Marco Belinelli 15pts - 3reb - 2ast - 1blk - 0stl
Luigi Datome 12pts - 7reb - 1ast - 1blk - 0stl
Danilo Gallinari 27pts - 4reb - 2ast - 2blk - 2stl
Andrea Bargnani 4pts - 6reb - 1ast - 1blk - 1stl
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Alessandro Gentile 0pts - 1reb - 2ast - 0blk - 1stl
Ricardo Delsulli 2pts - 5reb - 0ast - 2blk - 0stl
Pietri Aradori 0pts - 0reb - 2ast - 0blk - 0stl
Nicolo Melli 0pts - 3reb - 0ast - 1blk - 0stl
Amedeo Della Valle 0pts - 0reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Switzerland(0-1)
Brian Savoy 16pts - 4reb - 9ast - 0blk - 0stl
Roberto Kovac 5pts - 1reb - 1ast - 1blk - 1stl
Thabo Sefolosha 5pts - 6reb - 2ast - 1blk - 1stl
Clint Capela 20pts - 10reb - 1ast - 2blk - 1stl
David Ramseier 5pts - 4reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
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Steeve Louissaint 2pts - 1reb - 2ast - 0blk - 0stl
Quentin Joao 0pts - 8reb - 1ast - 2blk - 0stl
Christophe Varidel 1pts - 1reb - 1ast - 0blk - 1stl
Dusan Mladan 2pts - 3reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Canada(1-0) -V- Switzerland(0-1)
Coming off a decisive victory over Turkey, Canada steps foot on the hardwood ready to capture another one over Switzerland. The game progresses smoothly for Canada as they utilize more of their offensive schemes and hold Switzerland's scoring to a minimum. Thabo Sefolosha leads Switzerland with 15 points at the half but his team is behind 50-40 at halftime.
Canada's defense didn't let up any more in the 2nd half as Andrew Wiggins showed how special he can be on certain nights. Anthony Bennett also showed signs of greatness off the bench for a player with a lot to prove in the CSL, entering a contract season. The Canadians cruise to an easy 94-61.
Box Score
Canada(2-0)Cory Joseph 8pts - 3reb - 10ast - 0blk - 1stl
Nik Stauskas 16pts - 2reb - 5ast - 0blk - 2stl
Andrew Wiggins 25pts - 8reb - 6ast - 3blk - 2stl
Andrew Nicholson 12pts - 4reb - 1ast - 3blk - 1stl
Kelly Olynyk 15pts - 14reb - 3ast - 1blk - 1stl
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Anthony Bennett 11pts - 8reb - 2ast - 1blk - 0stl
Robert Sacre 1pts - 4reb - 1ast - 0blk - 1stl
Melvin Ejim 4pts - 3reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Dwight Powell 0pts - 1reb - 1ast - 1blk - 0stl
Philip Scrubb 2pts - 1reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Switzerland(0-2)
Brian Savoy 6pts - 1reb - 9ast - 0blk - 3stl
Roberto Kovac 9pts - 0reb - 2ast - 1blk - 0stl
Thabo Sefolosha 21pts - 6reb - 6ast - 2blk - 4stl
Clint Capela 15pts - 8reb - 1ast - 2blk - 0stl
David Ramseier 2pts - 10reb - 2ast - 0blk -0stl
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Steeve Louissaint 0pts - 1reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Quentin Joao 5pts - 4reb - 0ast - 2blk - 0stl
Christophe Varidel 0pts - 2reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Dusan Mladen 3pts - 1reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Turkey(0-1) -V- Italy(1-0)
Turkey was set to play Italy in the next game and they seemed motivated to prove that their last game was just a lapse of effort and that they were a better team than they played. Italy looked to be ready for Turkey though as once again their outside shooting prowess was on display. The ball movement was impressive as Italy pulled ahead to a 29-21 lead with 6 minutes remaining in the half. Before the horn rung for halftime, Turkish star Enes Kanter wasn't going to roll over and die. He exploded before the half going on a solo 10-0 run for Turkey and setting up a halftime score of 44-39 as Turkey led at the half.
A big shot block by Omer Asik starts the 2nd half for Turkey as Ali Muhammed nails a transition 3 to pull further ahead. Enes Kanter screams a battle cry as his team returns to the defensive end trying to further hype them up. The energy boost seemed to work, that is until Marco Belinelli went off! He dropped 3 straight 3 pointers to make this contest close as the end of regulation approaches. 70-70 is now the score and with the shot clock running down, Luigi Datome drives into the lane and throws down a strong dunk in traffic and get's fouled for the potential 3 point play. He missed the free throw, but the ball wriggles it's way into the hand of Marco Belinelli who gets fouled as Turkey needed to stop the clock. He walks to the line and drains 2 very clutch free throws to put the final nail in the coffin and securing a 74-70 win for Italy.
Italian G Marco Belinelli drops 31 points on Turkey
Box Score
Italy(2-0)Pablo Prigioni 7pts - 3reb - 4ast - 0blk - 2stl
Marco Belinelli 31pts - 4reb - 0ast - 0blk - 1stl
Luigi Datome 8pts - 1reb - 5ast - 2blk - 1stl
Danilo Gallinari 10pts - 2reb - 3ast - 1blk - 0stl
Andrea Bargnani 6pts - 11reb - 1ast - 1blk - 0stl
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Alessandro Gentile 1pts - 0reb - 1ast - 0blk - 1stl
Ricardo Delsulli 5pts - 5reb - 4ast - 2blk - 0stl
Pietro Aradori 0pts - 2reb - 2ast - 0blk - 0stl
Nicolo Melli 0pts - 2reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Amedeo Della Valle 6pts - 1reb - 4ast - 0blk - 1stl
Turkey(0-2)
Ali Muhammed 5pts - 4reb - 15ast - 1blk - 1stl
Sinan Guler 8pts - 1reb - 1ast - 1blk - 2stl
Ersan Ilyasova 8pts - 6reb - 3ast - 1blk - 0stl
Enes Kanter 26pts - 14reb - 1ast - 1blk - 0stl
Omer Asik 10pts - 10reb - 0ast - 2blk - 0stl
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Furkan Aldemir 2pts - 3reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Cedi Osman 4pts - 1reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Izzet Turkylimaz 5pts - 4reb - 1ast - 1blk - 1stl
Ilkan Karaman 2pts - 0reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Canada(2-0) -V- Italy(2-0)
Coming into this game, both teams knew that they'd advance to the quarterfinals and this game would be the determining factor as to who left the group stage as the 1st seed from Group Orange. Canada was viewed as the favorites, no just by fan support in Brazil, but they had dominated their first two opponents, while Italy had 2 hard fought matches. Nik Stauskas, who has been a consistent scorer throughout the tournament for Canada, struggled to get going early, missing on his first 5 shots from the floor in the first half before finally taking the ball inside and laying it in under the arm of Andrea Bargnani. Italy's Luigi Datome stepped up once again under pressure as they trailed 41-50 before he drained back-to-back mid-range jumpers to set the score at 45-50 for halftime.
Both Anthony Bennett and Philip Scrubb started the second half for Canada whom weren't necessarily used to that role but they took it in stride as they, along with Kelly Olynyk set up a nice push to extend the lead to 12 points. However Italy didn't let them keep it for long as 2 3 pointers from Marco Belinello and Pablo Prigioni quickly cut that lead in half. Canada answers back with a pick-and-pop play designed for Anthony Bennett, however when Philip Scrubb passes it to Bennett, he decides to attack the rim fiercely. Danilo Gallinari from Italy went up to block his dunk attempt but instead fouls him hard, forcing Bennett to lose his balance mid-air and come crashing to the hardwood. A solid gasp from the crowd is quickly followed by a storm of silence as everyone worries about the young Canadian's well being. Turns out that had fallen on his side in what was later diagnosed as broken ribs, meaning he will be out for the remainder of the tournament.
As play resumed, Canada had to overcome losing one of their essential versatile players to injury. They currently led 79-75 but Italy was closing in fast with only 1:36 left to play. The Italians bring the ball up to the court as the clock continues to tick. Pablo Prigioni throws a bullet pass straight past the raised hands of Cory Joseph and every other defender for Canada to Andrea Bargnani who, in one fluid motion, throws down a dunk to make it a one-possession game. Andrew Wiggins brings it up the floor out of the timeout for Canada. He calls an iso for himself and begins to attempt to break down Luigi Datome, as soon as he sees Datome commit to a direction, he bolts to the opposite and takes it to the rime with force. Bargnani rotates over to contest the basket and makes Wiggins alter the shot just enough for it to bounce multiple times on the rim and spin around only to fall out of the rim. A scramble ensues to secure the rebound. None other then Kelly Olynyk emerges with the basketball and puts in a reverse lay-up to give Canada an 81-77 lead. Italy quickly inbound it trying to catch Canada off guard. It works as Marco Belinelli fakes as if he was planning to shoot the 3 and dishes it to the trailing Luigi Datome for an easy jam. Bringing the score to 81-79 with 31 seconds left. Canada's Cory Joseph is fouled as soon as he catches the ball and it's common knowledge that he must hit both free-throws to make sure Italy can't tie it with a 3 pointer. The first is up...and in. He shakes off any potential nerves for the second and gets some encouragement from teammates before the 2nd shot. The 2nd shot is released...and in. Two very clutch free throws by Joseph could have secured this game, but Italy isn't done yet. They rush the ball once again into play and travel the length of the court fast to find Danilo Gallinari in the corner for a 3. It bounces off the back of the rim and Kelly Olynyk grabs the weird-angled rebound before being fouled. Unfortunately for Italy the eventual free-throws are good and that means Canada walks away as the #1 seed from Group Orange with an 85-81 victory.
Box Score
Canada(3-0)Cory Joseph 6pts - 5reb - 4ast - 0blk - 0stl
Nik Stauskas 6pts - 0reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Andrew Wiggins 24pts - 2reb - 4ast - 2blk - 2stl
Andrew Nicholson 9pts - 8reb - 1ast - 2blk - 0stl
Kelly Olynyk 21pts - 9reb - 2ast - 1blk - 2stl
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Anthony Bennett 4pts - 3reb - 0ast - 0blk - 1stl
Robert Sacre 0pts - 5reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Melvin Ejim 0pts - 1reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Dwight Powell 2pts - 2reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Philip Scrubb 13pts - 3reb - 4ast - 0blk - 1stl
Italy(2-1)
Pablo Prigioni 5pts - 0reb - 6ast - 1blk - 2stl
Marco Belinelli 9pts - 2reb - 1ast - 1blk - 1stl
Luigi Datome 14pts - 1reb - 3ast - 0blk - 3stl
Danilo Gallinari 19pts - 10reb - 2ast - 1blk - 2stl
Andrea Bargnani 10pts - 5reb - 5ast - 0blk - 0stl
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Alessandro Gentile 4pts - 2reb - 0ast - 0blk - 1stl
Ricardo Delsulli 8pts - 8reb - 0ast - 1blk - 0stl
Pietro Aradori 6pts - 1reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Nicolo Melli 0pts - 1reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Amedeo Della Valle 6pts - 2reb - 3ast - 0blk - 0stl
Switzerland(0-2) -V- Turkey(0-2)
Although this game didn't have any implication oh the rest of the EI, it was still a big deal for both these teams as international pride was one the line and perhaps even the consequence of not being invited to compete in future tournaments. Turkish forward Enes Kanter has performed consistently great throughout this tournament and tried doing his best early in the game to make sure that Turkey pick up a win before exited the invitational. Alongside Kanter, Ersan Ilyasova led Turkey in scoring and helped take a commanding 53-32 lead into the break.
With Turkey dominating the glass and Clint Capela struggling once again from the field shooting a horrendous 17% from the field it was clear to see the outcome materializing as Turkey went on to defeat Switzerland 89-60.
Box Score
Switzerland(0-3)Brian Savoy 2pts - 2reb - 8ast - 0blk - 2stl
Roberto Kovac 8pts - 1reb - 3ast - 0blk - 1stl
Thabo Sefolosha 12pts - 4reb - 1ast - 2blk - 1stl
Clint Capela 3pts - 2reb - 2ast - 1blk - 0stl
David Ramseier 16pts - 3reb - 0ast - 3blk - 0stl
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Steeve Louissaint 6pts - 0reb - 2ast - 0blk - 1stl
Quentin Joao - 8pts - 0reb - 0ast - 2blk - 0stl
Christophe Varidel 2pts - 1reb - 0ast - 0blk - 1stl
Dusan Mladan 6pts - 1reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Turkey(1-2)
Ali Muhammed 9pts - 3reb - 10ast - 0blk - 1stl
Sinan Guler 13pts - 0reb - 1ast - 2blk - 0stl
Ersan Ilyasova 15pts - 6reb - 1ast - 1blk - 0stl
Enes Kanter 18pts - 17reb - 3ast - 2blk - 0stl
Omer Asik 6pts - 21reb - 0ast - 1blk - 1stl
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Furkan Aldemir 4pts - 2reb - 0ast - 1blk - 0stl
Cedi Osman 12pts - 4reb - 0ast - 0blk - 0stl
Izzet Turkylimaz 12pts - 5reb - 1ast - 0blk - 0stl
Ilkin Karaman 0pts - 3reb - 2ast - 0blk - 0stl
