The FIBA Americas tournament ended Saturday with disappointment for Canada, which had rolled to a 6-1 record prior to the knockout stage. Canada collapsed late in a 79-78 loss to Venezuela on Friday before edging host Mexico, 87-86, on Saturday, wrapping a third-place finish in the 2015 tournament.
As a result of the tournament, Venezuela and perennial powerhouse Argentina qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games. Canada, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico can still punch their ticket to the Games via the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2016.
Canada boasts two Orlando Magic players, both of whom acquitted themselves in supporting roles for their home country. Andrew Nicholson, Orlando's longest-tenured player, posted 7.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in 13.9 minutes shile shooting 55.5 percent from the floor, including 47.6 percent on three-pointers.
Melvin Ejim, a Magic newcomer, shot 46.3 percent for 5.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in 12.2 minutes. A hard-nosed wing, Ejim managed a team-best 23 offensive boards despite playing the third-fewest minutes of any player on the team. He also ranked fifth in free-throw attempts.
Nicholson and Ejim won't have much time to rest before their Magic duties begin: training camp opens on September 26th.