Canada stuns Spain late to advance in World Cup, clinch Olympic bid

Canada stormed back from a double-digit second-half deficit to stun Spain by a score of 88-85 and advance to the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup.

With the victory, Canada also qualifies for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the program's first time in the event since 2000. Meanwhile, Spain, the No. 1-ranked FIBA team, is eliminated from the World Cup with the loss.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped a game-high 30 points on just 12 field-goal attempts, thanks to a 14-of-16 mark from the free-throw line. Dillon Brooks chipped in with 22 points, including three clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, while RJ Barrett finished with 16 points, largely in the first half.

"We fought. I came out strong in the first half, Dillon was strong all game, and then Shai finished the game off for us," Barrett said postgame. "It was a whole team effort."

For Spain, Willy Hernangomez led the way with 25 points, and Santi Aldama had 20. The team entered the fourth quarter with a 12-point lead but was then outscored 27-12.

Canada will have another tough test in the quarterfinals, taking on NBA superstar Luka Doncic and Slovenia on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. ET.