XALAPA, MEXICO (August 23, 2021) - Canada defeated Puerto Rico 93-65 on Friday night at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2021 to not only qualify for the semifinals on Saturday but also the FIBA U17 World Basketball Championships 2022 next summer.

"Really happy for these kids, especially in their first international experience, to punch their ticket to the World Championships next year in Spain," said head coach Patrick Tatham.

The win was a collective team effort with Mikkel Tyne (20 points), Efeosa Oliogu (16 points), Jacob Theodosiou (12 points), Baraka Okojie (10 points), Olivier Rioux (10 points) and Stephen Osei (10 points) all contributing double-digit scores. Rioux and Oliogu and Ishan Sharma, led Canada in rebounds.

"Looking forward to this historic match-up between Canada and USA," said Tatham. "The guys are going to be ready."

Canada will compete tomorrow against the USA at 9:30PM ET for a chance to advance to Sunday's finals.

All games at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2021 are streamed live and free on the FIBA YouTube Channel. The FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2021 in Xalapa, Mexico runs until August 29th.