In a FIBA men's AmeriCup 2025 Qualifier game held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, Team Canada’s Mfiondu Kabengele and Team Dominican Republic’s Luis Santos competed fiercely for the ball during the first half. (Photo credit: Liam Richards, The Canadian Press)
Canada showcased a strong start in the second window of the FIBA men’s AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers, defeating the Dominican Republic 88-71 at the SaskTel Centre on Thursday. Despite limited practice time and a mix of seasoned and fresh players, the Canadian team remains unbeaten with a 3-0 record in the tournament.
Mfiondu Kabengele led Canada with 17 points and two blocks, while Trae Bell-Haynes contributed eight points, four rebounds, and a standout ten assists. The head coach, Nathaniel Mitchell, praised the team’s ability to integrate new players seamlessly. "It’s a testament to how we’re growing as a federation,” he said, noting that three players from Canada’s 2017 U19 gold medal team joined the senior squad for this game.
The Dominican Republic’s LJ Figueroa led his team with 18 points, but Canada’s dominance was clear. In the second quarter, Jackson Rowe’s back-to-back three-pointers and a key block widened Canada’s lead to 39-24. By the fourth quarter, the lead expanded to 72-47, with Rowe sinking another three-pointer and Fardaw Aimaq delivering a powerful slam dunk. The Dominican Republic could not narrow the gap to fewer than ten points for the rest of the game.
Sunday’s matchup against Mexico provides Canada with an opportunity to continue their undefeated streak.
The game was also marked by an emotional tribute to Chad Posthumus, a Canadian 3x3 and senior national team player, who passed away earlier this week at age 33. The team wore black patches reading "CP" on their jerseys to honour him. Posthumus, captain of the Winnipeg Sea Bears in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, suffered a brain aneurysm on November 9 during training. Complications from surgery led to his passing.
Trae Bell-Haynes reflected on Posthumus’ legacy: “He was part of our family. Canada Basketball is a brotherhood, and Chad was a key member. This gesture was a heartfelt tribute to someone we’ll deeply miss.”
As Canada continues their qualifiers, the memory of Posthumus serves as both a motivator and a reminder of the tight-knit spirit of the team.
