Barrett leads Canada to gritty win over Australia

Canada took sole possession of first place in Group A with a hard-fought 93-83 win over Australia in men's basketball.

RJ Barrett had 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to keep Canada undefeated heading into its final game of group play.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey led the Boomers in defeat with 19 points, seven boards, and six assists.

Canada trailed by four points at halftime but turned things around over the final 20 minutes with a strong defensive effort.

Australia managed just 34 points across the third and fourth quarters. The Canadians tallied 28 points off 18 Australian turnovers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort had three steals apiece as four Canadian starters registered multiple steals.

Canada will take on Spain in its final group-stage contest, while Australia faces Greece. The winner of Group A avoids a likely clash with the United States in the quarterfinal.