Jam Rockers Eliminated From Fiba Americas Qualifiers After 116-78 Loss to Canada

Jamaica's push for a place in the final round of 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas qualifying ended on Monday night when the Jam Rockers were beaten 116-78 by Canada in Ontario.

The national side went into the Group B fixture holding the final qualifying position in the standings. Only a win, together with favourable results elsewhere, could have kept alive their hopes of a first-ever advance to that stage of World Cup qualifying. Neither materialised against a Canadian squad loaded with NBA talent.

Seven players on the Canadian roster hold NBA contracts, including two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The hosts controlled proceedings and their offensive output set a new single-game record for the Americas qualifiers, sinking 48 field goals to surpass the previous mark of 46.

Despite the heavy defeat, Jamaica produced the game's leading scorer in Andrew Telfer, who finished with 25 points. Marcus McDonald backed him with 19. On the Canadian side, Dillon Brooks top-scored with 20 points while Gilgeous-Alexander added 16.

The Jam Rockers' elimination was confirmed when Puerto Rico defeated the Bahamas 115-92 to secure the group's remaining qualifying berth. Canada closed the window atop Group B with a perfect winning record, while Jamaica ended their campaign with two victories and five defeats.