U23 squad erased a 14 deficit in 67-66 loss to Australia
(OTTAWA, ONT) – Brandon Louie led Team Canada with 22 points as they battled back from a 14-point deficit but fell just short in a 67-66 loss to Australia on Monday at the IWBF Men’s U23 World Championship in São Paulo, Brazil.
Louie hit a three-pointer with 28 seconds remaining to pull Canada to within one. Following an Australia turnover, Louie in-bounded to Cameron Gelowitz, who had a chance at the game-winner with four seconds remaining but couldn’t get the shot to fall.
“So close. We had the final shot, we had a great look, but it happens,” said Team Canada’s Under-23 Head Coach Darrell Nordell. “The guys executed the complete game plan that we had. We had a slow start, and that hurt a little bit, but to come back from that deficit showed resilience.”
Louie added three rebounds and two assists, while Broden Nagle contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds. Captain Nasif Chowdhury finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Canada fell behind 24-12 after one quarter but opened the second period with a 12-4 run, cutting the lead to four and trailed by just two, 32-30, at halftime.
Chowdhury had nine first half points while Nagle added eight at the break as Canada shot 8-of-15 from the field in the second quarter.
“The second quarter was our best quarter,” Nordell said. “We played well and got it close at halftime. We’re a strong outside shooting team, and teams are starting to notice that. That allows us to get more space.”
Canada resumes action at the Under-23 World Championship on Tuesday when they face Germany at 3:30 p.m. EDT/12:30 p.m. PDT. The game can be live streamed on the IWBF YouTube channel.
The IWBF Men’s Under-23 World Championship brings together the top 12 nations. Canada is competing in Group A alongside Australia, Israel, Germany, Türkiye and Brazil.
Traditionally held every four years, the tournament showcases the best young talent in the sport. Athletes must be 22 years of age or younger to be eligible to compete. This year marks the eighth edition of the event. Canada captured back-to-back gold medals in 1997 and 2001.
Complete stats from Monday’s game can be found here. The tournament schedule and results can be found here.