Trae Bell-Haynes delivered an impressive performance in front of his hometown crowd on Monday. He led the Canadian men’s basketball team with 17 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in a 94-88 victory over the Bahamas during the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying match at Mattamy Athletic Centre.
Reflecting on the game, the 30-year-old Toronto native expressed his excitement about playing in Toronto again since high school, especially in front of family and friends. He emphasized the significance of securing a win in such a meaningful setting, highlighting the team’s gratitude for representing Canada and the added value of playing on home turf.
In addition to Bell-Haynes’ standout performance, Thomas Scrubb contributed 16 points, and Kyle Wiltjer added 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists for the Canadian team. On the opposing side, Garvin Clarke led the Bahamas with 20 points and 13 assists.
Head coach Nathaniel Mitchell commended the Bahamas team for their tenacity and adaptability during the game, acknowledging their challenging play style. He praised his team for maintaining composure and control throughout the match, despite the Bahamas’ persistent efforts.
Canada’s victory over the Bahamas marked a successful two-game sweep in the initial qualifying window, positioning them at the top of Group B alongside Puerto Rico and Jamaica. The ongoing qualification process involves a series of six windows over 15 months, with teams competing in home-and-away matches to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup in Doha.
Looking ahead, Mitchell emphasized the team’s identity centered around toughness and a relentless attitude on both offense and defense. He emphasized the team’s goal of intimidating opponents and establishing a reputation for their resilient and aggressive style of play.
