The men's basketball World Cup quarterfinals advance to the second day of the tournament, with Canada beating Slovenia 100-89 to advance to the semifinals, and will face Serbia in the semifinals. Slovenia entered 5-8 place qualifying.
Shay Kyrgyzstan Alexander came up twice and turned to hit a jumper with a solid shot. Doncic broke through to assist Nikolitz hit a three-pointer, then he blocked and faced Lone Ranger teammate Dwight Powell to make a backward three-pointer, and Zoran Dragic also went on a long-range shot. On the Canadian side, Dillon Brooks and Olynyk shot from distance. Alexander continued to single out without solution, hitting all of his first four shots. Slovenia were hot on three-pointers, with Blazic and Clemen Prepelic hitting long-range shots. Canada's Dort also hit two three-pointers to take a 26-24 lead in the first quarter.
Dillon played well in the second quarter, but Clemen Prepéric, Nikolitz and Sebasek hit four three-pointers to help Slovenia rally, and Doncic broke through the one-handed throw to give the team a 40-36 lead. Alexander broke through to score, Canada frantically wrapped Doncic, who repeatedly complained about the referee's missed foul and suffered a technical foul, Alexander Walker hit a three-pointer, Barrett quickly attacked a dragon, Canada led 44-40. Doncic shot a three-point bukkake and broke through the throwing board. In the last minute, he made a series of penalties to help his team equalise, and the two teams tied the first half to 50. Doncic scored 17 points at the half, Alexander 13. Slovenia shot 10 of 17 from three-point range in the half.
In the third quarter, Barrett played consecutive fast breaks, Alexander scored a layup over four men, and Dillon scored another three points. Canada had a 14-point lead at the start of 19-5. Doncic and Hrovat hit three consecutive three-pointers, facing Barrett and Alexander, who also made a steal on Doncic, Barrett countered with a foul and hit both free throws, giving Canada a 16-point lead at 77-61. Preperić hit a 2+1 and Alexander Walker responded with an immediate long-range shot. Doncic burst into a difficult layup and then hit a long-range 3-pointer. Clemen Prepelic hit both free throws to make it 71-80 in the third quarter of Slovenia's 7-0 run. Barrett scored 13 points in a single quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Barrett dunked 2+1 to give Canada a 12-point lead. Doncic was immediately substituted. Canada fought back-to-back, with Alexander hitting 4 of 4 free throws and Canada leading by 15 points at 89-74. Dillon Brooks then hit a three-pointer, but he was ejected for a second foul while celebrating the goal. After 30 seconds, Doncic singled himself to the ground, and the referee blew a penalty and was expelled for a second technical offense. Canada led by 17 points 94-77 in the final six minutes. Prepelic and Hrovat hit an 8-0 run. Alexander broke through and scored, then he fought for a foul on a rebound in front of the court, and Canada led 98-85 after making both free throws.
Canada has a 22-7 advantage on the fast attack. Alexander had 31 points, 10 rebounds and four assists on 14-of-12 shooting, 14-of-16 free throws, Barrett had 9 rebounds with 24 points, Alexander Walker had 14 points, Dort had 8 points and Dillon Brooks had 14 points. Olynyk had 7 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Doncic had 26 points, four rebounds and five assists, Clemen Prepelic 22, Nikolitz eight and Zoran Dragic 10.