Nikolas Stauskas.
Mississauga's Nikolas Stauskas and Team Canada won a bronze medal at the FIBA Americas under-16 championships in Mendoza, Argentina.
Staff photo by Fred Loek
Mississauga's Nikolas Stauskas and his Canadian teammates dumped Venezuela 106-81 last Sunday to capture the bronze medal at a major international basketball tournament.
Stauskas, a star at Loyola Secondary School, scored three points in 10 minutes of action as Canada secured a spot on the podium at the FIBA Americas under-16 championships in Mendoza, Argentina.
With the win, the Canadians also qualified for the inaugural FIBA under-17 World Championships next summer in Germany.
The U.S., which defeated Canada 126-78 in semi-final action, took home the gold medal while Argentina grabbed silver. They also qualified for next year's tourney in Germany.
"To qualify in this inaugural event speaks volumes about the depth of talent in our country," said Canada Basketball executive director Wayne Parrish.
The bronze medal game was a battle, with the Canadians leading 42-31 at the half. Venezuela rallied in the third quarter, scoring 23 points. Undaunted, Canada responded with 29 points before blowing the game open in the fourth with 33 points.
Canada's accuracy from the field, which included a 48 per cent success rate from three-point territory, helped secure the win. The Venezuelans shot 29 per cent in their three-point attempts.
"Right from the first day of training camp at the Air Canada Centre there was a real positive energy and chemistry amongst our athletes and staff," said head coach Roy Rana. "This incredible accomplishment for Canada was a true team effort and the results came together perfectly in our bronze medal victory against Venezuela."
Stauskas had a team-high 21 points in the semi-final loss to the Americans.
Canada won its first two games of the tourney, defeating the Bahamas 88-69 after routing Mexico 90-44. Stauskas netted four points in the Bahamas game and 16 in the win over Mexico.
Canada lost its final game in the preliminary round, 87-81 to Argentina in an overtime thriller. Stauskas had three points.
cclay@mississauga.net