Woeful shooting plagues JamRockerz
Jamaica fall to Canada in second-straight defeat in FIBA Americas Qualifiers
Published:Monday | March 2, 2026 | 12:16 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
Jamaica’s senior national basketball team, the JamRockerz, fell to a second consecutive defeat on home soil in the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifiers as they were defeated 97-81 by Canada at the National Indoor Sports Centre yesterday.
The JamRockerz could not handle the Canadian charge as their opponents took the lead from tip off and held the advantage all the way to the final possession.
It was a poor shooting performance from the hosts as they shot just 34 per cent from the field, sinking 28 of their 82 attempts on the night.
Canada were far more clinical as they shot for 51 per cent, sinking 33 of their 65 attempts, and were particularly rampant beyond the three-point line, scoring 13 of their 26 three-point attempts.
Canada wasted little time in the contest as Nate Darling hit back-to-back three pointers in the opening exchanges to race to a six point lead, capitalising on a slow start by the hosts.
The highlight of the first quarter came when Canada’s Charles Bediako finished off a alley-oop dunk as they closed out the first quarter with a 19-27 lead.
Where Jamaica were wasteful with their shots, Canada marched on as they raced to an 18-point lead mid-way in the second quarter.
The JamRockers would find their footing but it was not enough to slow the Canadians who closed out the second quarter with a 49-36 lead.
The second half of the contest went much like the first as Canada continued to pressure Jamaica on the court and ended the third quarter 78-58 for a 20-point lead.
Jamaica found their best run of form in the final quarter as they outscored the visitors 23-19, but it was only enough to close the gap to 16-points as Canada ran out comfortable victors.
Tyran De Lattibeaudiere led the scoring for Jamaica as he recorded a game high 23 points, followed by teammates Andrew Thelwell, 12, and Chase Adugie, 11.
Lattibeaudiere also recorded a double double on the night as he contributed with 10 rebounds as well.
For Canada, it was an overall team performance as Marcus Carr led with a team high 17 points, with Kyle Wiltjer, 16, and Kassius Robertson, 15, close behind.
In the other game of the group, Puerto Rico picked up their first win of the qualifiers as they defeated Bahamas 71-66.
With the results, Canada remain atop Group B with eight points having won all four of their games.
Jamaica are second with six points, recording two wins and two defeats while Puerto Rico move into the third position with five points, recording one win and three defeats.
Bahamas holds an identical record to Puerto Rico with five points, but Puerto Rico hold the advantage with a better head-to-head record.
Jamaica’s final two games of the Americas Qualifiers will be played on July 3 and July 6.