Basketball: Canada first team to reach quarters

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Sydney: Canada became the first men's basketball team to qualify for the Olympic quarter-finals with their third straight win on Thursday to the surprise of everybody - except themselves.

"I don't know why people keep saying we are the surprise of the tournament. We're not. We all thought we were a good team and that we could do some damage at this tournament if we stick to the basics," said forward Rowan Barrett.

Coming into the Olympics, the Canadians were expected to struggle to place fourth in Group 'A', leading to an immediate quarter-final exit at the hands of overwhelming favourites the United States who should win Group 'B'.

But Australia went down with little more than a whimper in the first game of the tournament as Dallas Mavericks guard Steve Nash ran the offence to near perfection.

An easy victory over Angola was followed on Thursday by a 91-77 win over Spain, leaving Canada in pole position as they head into the final stretch of the preliminary round.

Coach Jay Triano said, "We certainly couldn't be in a better position, but I am not surprised we are here.

"This is a quality team. No, we don't have a lot of size and recognisable names, but that doesn't matter. We are playing cohesively and fundamentally sound. That's what wins games."

With size lacking, Canada has found a perimeter game just in the nick of time. The team is leading the tournament in field goal percentage at 60 percent, shooting at a 50 percent rate from three-point range alone.

The 2.05 metre (6ft 9 in) Meeks, a graduate of Cansius College who now plays in France, went eight-for-eight against Spain, including four-for-four from beyond the three point arc, and is averaging 18.3 points per game.Barrett leads the team with 19 a game while a total of four players are averaging in the double digits.

While shooting has been key, everyone on the team knows the success from the field is not only due to a couple of hot shooters.

After a couple of disappointing seasons due to nagging injuries, Nash is now completely fit, dazzling opponents on the court with his speed and ball handling.

"It's nice to have the feel right now, but Nash is getting guys the ball in such great position, it's easy to hit shots. I have enough time to spin the ball a couple of times, wipe my shoes clean and then shoot, it's just incredible," said Meeks.



(c) Reuters Limited.