Canada is now 2-0 in the Pan-Am Games thanks to a big-time comeback against traditional power Argentina.
Andrew Nicholson of the Orlando Magic finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds, incoming Kentucky point guard Jamal Murray scored 20 points and Anthony Bennett of the Minnesota Timberwolves added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists as the Canucks beat Argentina, 88-83, on Wednesday night in Toronto.
Canada is now in control of Group B at 2-0 and plays Mexico next.
Murray was held back from participating in the FIBA Under-19 World Championships with an eye on having him play up a level at Pan Am.
On a conference call earlier this month, Canada head coach Jay Triano, a Trail Blazers assistant, would not rule out the possibility of Murray at least going to training camp with the National Team as it prepares for FIBA Americas, which runs Aug. 31-Sept. 12.
“At the end of the Pan American Games, we’re going to do a complete evaluation of all the players that represented Canada and we’re going to sit down as a staff and figure out how we’re going to qualify for the Olympics,” Triano said. “The Olympic Qualifying Tournament, it’s no secret, is a big event for us this summer. Our NBA players know that, even the NBA teams know that.”
