Despite big games from Raptor Cory Joseph and Melvin Ejim, the favoured France win out and secure their Olympic berth.
Throughout the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament, it felt inevitable that Canada would play France in a winner-takes-all showdown for the last spot in Rio. And, sadly, ever since Canada disappointed in the Mexico tournament last summer, it felt inevitable they'd lose their spot to the more experienced European squad. It came to pass; France pulled out a 83-74 victory down the stretch, led by its group of unflappable NBA players.
There were encouraging signs for Canada in the first half.