Trae Bell-Haynes put on an impressive show in front of his hometown crowd on Monday. The Canadian men’s basketball team secured a 94-88 victory over the Bahamas in the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying match at Mattamy Athletic Centre, with Bell-Haynes contributing 17 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds.
Reflecting on the game, the 30-year-old Toronto native expressed the significance of playing in Toronto since high school and the joy of performing in front of family and friends. Thomas Scrubb scored 16 points, and Kyle Wiltjer chipped in with 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists for Canada.
Garvin Clarke led the Bahamas with 20 points and 13 assists. Coach Nathaniel Mitchell praised the Bahamas team for their scrappiness and ability to adapt, emphasizing Canada’s resilience and control throughout the game.
Canada had previously defeated the Bahamas 111-75 in Nassau, Bahamas, completing a two-game sweep in the first qualifying window of the Americas bracket. The ongoing qualification cycle consists of six windows over 15 months, with teams playing home-and-away games in February and July to secure a spot in the World Cup in Doha.
Currently leading Group B alongside Puerto Rico and Jamaica, Canada aims to build on its success from capturing a bronze medal in the 2023 World Cup. Coach Mitchell highlighted the team’s identity of toughness and annoyance factor on both offense and defense, emphasizing their relentless and competitive spirit.