Canada rallies to beat S. Korea in FIBA tournament

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Jermaine Anderson made a three-point shot in the final seconds today to lead Canada past South Korea, 79-77, at FIBA’s Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens.

Canada rallied from an 18-point deficit early in the third quarter and was still down by 10 with two minutes left.

Rowan Barrett drilled six of nine shots from three-point range on his way to a game-high 22 points for Canada. Chun Jung-kyu made five of eight from behind the arc en route to 19 points in the first half.

Canada won despite playing with just 11 men. Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert was released from the team after Tuesday’s loss to Slovenia.

‘Without going into too much detail, it’s a situation that we decided to move forward with the players who have the passion and desire to play for Canada,’ coach Leo Rautins said. ‘It’s disappointing for sure, but I think you have to have players who are a 100% committed to it.’

If the Canadians qualify for the Beijing Games, they will be able to replace Dalembert. The team plays Croatia next.

Twelve teams at the Athens tournament are vying for the three remaining Olympic berths in Beijing.

-- Debbie Goffa