Paris Olympics

Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada edge Spain in final seconds

Canada survives a dramatic push by Spain and remains undefeated in group play.

Kyle Hightower | The Associated Press

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points and hit two free throws in the final seconds to help Canada beat Spain, 88-85, and win Group A.

Andrew Nembhard added 18 points. Canada now waits to see who it faces in the knockout round next week.

Dario Brizuela had 17 points to lead Spain, which was eliminated by virtue of Greece’s win over Australia and a 1-2 finish in group play. It’s an early exit for Spain, which last earned an Olympic medal with a bronze at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

Sergio Llull finished with 13 points.

Canada led by 14 points in the third quarter before Spain cut it to three early in the fourth.

It stayed tight the rest of the way.

Spain trailed 82-79 with less than a minute to play when Alex Abrines was fouled and went to the free-throw line. But he made only 1 of his 2 attempts.

Canada rebounded and RJ Barrett got the ball for a corner 3 to make it 85-80.

Jaime Pradilla scored quicky on a driving layup for Spain and Gilgeous-Alexander was fouled. He made one free throw, and Llull hit a 3 to cut the deficit to 86-85 with 3.1 seconds left.

Gilgeous-Alexander was then fouled and went to the free-throw line a final time.

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