Canada blows out Venezuela to clinch FIBA World Cup berth

Canada has officially punched its ticket to next year's FIBA World Cup, defeating Venezuela 94-56 in Thursday's Americas qualifiers matchup.

Veterans Kassius Robertson and Thomas Scrubb led the Canadians with 16 and 12 points, respectively. The two were among five players to score double digits.

Jhornan Zamora added 14 points and three boards in a losing cause.

Canada jumped out to a 15-point lead in the first quarter and was never seriously threatened after that, earning the victory to remain atop Group E with a 9-0 record in World Cup qualifying.

Toronto Raptors assistant Nate Bjorkgren filled in for national team head coach Nick Nurse. The squad was also without its usual NBA talent.

Canada will make back-to-back World Cup appearances for the first time since 1998 and 2002. The country hasn't competed at the Olympics in over two decades.