TORONTO — Canada opened its road to the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup 2027 with a pair of wins over Bahamas, completing the first qualifying window 2–0 after a 111–75 victory on Nov. 28 in Nassau and a 94–88 result on Monday night at Mattamy Athletic Centre.
Canada’s opener in Nassau set the tone for the cycle. Shooting 56 per cent from the field and moving the ball with ease, Canada piled up 34 assists and forced 17 turnovers to take full control of the matchup.
Kyle Wiltjer scored 20 first-half points to create early separation, while Aaron Best finished a team-best +34 as Canada’s depth and pace overwhelmed Bahamas at both ends.
Head coach Nathaniel Mitchell said before returning home that establishing a clear, uncompromising identity would define the team’s push toward 2027.
“Toughness. People should be scared to play Canada,” he said. “You should be annoyed when you’re playing us — offensively, defensively. Annoying is big for us, and part of that is being tough.” He added that the group’s familiarity has accelerated its cohesion. “Each practice is a little easier. Each preparation is a little easier. The continuity and everybody liking each other is the first part.”
That chemistry showed again in Toronto, where Canada shot nearly 65 per cent from the field and steadied itself late after Bahamas mounted a second-half push that trimmed the lead to single digits.
Trae Bell-Haynes steered Canada through the finish with 17 points, 10 assists and five rebounds, while Wiltjer added 15 points and five boards, Marcus Carr handed out seven assists, and Thomas Kennedy provided a perfect 5-for-5 night with 10 points and six rebounds.
Mitchell credited his players for managing the shifting momentum.
“[Bahamas] is a real scrappy team,” he said. “They made some changes and were good off the bounce, so we had to adjust defensively. They hung around all game, but I liked how our group stayed tough and controlled the game regardless of the score.”
For Bell-Haynes and several teammates, the win in Toronto carried added meaning.
“For a few of us, this is the first time playing in Toronto since high school,” he said. “To play in front of our parents and families is a big deal, and getting the win makes it even sweeter. We’re always grateful to wear Canada, but doing it at home means a lot.”
The two wins place Canada atop Group B, which also features Puerto Rico and Jamaica.
Teams play home-and-away through February 2026 and July 2026 windows, with the top three advancing. All results carry forward into the Second Round, where six additional games in 2026 and 2027 determine qualification for the World Cup in Doha.
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