Lu Dort and Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Canada to a 97-92 victory over Argentina in the FIBA men’s basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifier. Dort scored 25 points in his first game in Quebec City, while Alexander-Walker added 26 points. The game, witnessed by over 13,000 fans at the Videotron Centre, showcased Canada’s dominance as they remained undefeated in eight games.
Canada, currently ranked fifth in the FIBA world rankings, will face Uruguay in their next match on Nov. 26 before a rematch with Argentina three days later. The top three teams from each remaining America group will qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar, with the best fourth-place team also earning a spot in Doha.
Argentina’s Nicolas Laprovittola shined with 31 points in the game, but Canada’s strong performance led by Dort and Alexander-Walker outshone Argentina’s efforts. Despite falling behind in the first quarter, Canada staged a comeback, cutting Argentina’s lead before halftime.
Head coach Gordie Herbert praised his team’s resilience in narrowing the deficit and commended their efforts. The Canadian team displayed a more aggressive and physical game in the third quarter, outscoring Argentina with veteran Kelly Olynyk playing a crucial role under the basket.
In the final quarter, Alexander-Walker’s leadership guided Canada to victory, showcasing his prowess on the court. Dort, returning to competitive play after the NBA playoffs, initially felt rusty but regained his rhythm as the game progressed.
Reflecting on his performance, Dort expressed his readiness and credited his preparation during the offseason for his strong showing in the game.