Canada eliminated by France in Olympic men’s basketball quarterfinals

France's Guerschon Yabusele, right, drives the court followed by Canada's RJ Barrett during a men's quarterfinal game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, on Aug. 6, 2024
France's Guerschon Yabusele, right, drives the court followed by Canada's RJ Barrett during a men's quarterfinal game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, on Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

The Canadian men’s basketball team picked a horrible time to play its worst game at the Olympics.

Just like in its last Olympic appearance in 2000, favoured Canada bowed out against France in the quarterfinals, losing 82-73 on Tuesday in Paris.

The host French, supported by a raucous crowd, never trailed and jumped out to a 16-point lead against the previously unbeaten Canadians at halftime.

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Canada got the lead down to five in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t get closer despite the best efforts of star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 27 points. Canada simply didn’t get enough from the rest of the roster for most of the game.

France made a bold move, not starting star centre Rudy Gobert as it changed things up to try to match up against the faster Canadians.

The new-look lineup looked great, blitzing Canada out of the starting gate.

France will play Germany in the semifinals Thursday.

Serbia will face the winner of the United States/Brazil game later Tuesday.

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