Istanbul, TURKEY, August 4 (AP) - European Champion Yugoslavia crushed Canada 101-82 Sunday to take first place at the Efes Pilsen Istanbul World Cup basketball tournament.
Yugoslavia held a 26-22 lead at the end of the first period and exploded after that. By half time, the Balkan nation was running circles around the Canadians to hold a 58-36 advantage.
Canada did put up a fight in the third quarter, tightening its defense and scoring 29 points in the period to make up some ground.
Yugoslavia only basketed 14 points, but the period still ended 72-65 in Yugoslavia's favor.
But Yugoslavia wouldn't settle for a seven point advantage. The team ended the match 19 points ahead and the Canadians were left with silver.
In other competition Sunday, Brazil and Turkey were head-to-head throughout their match, but the South American club took the bronze with a 69-65 advantage.
Despite the loss, Turkey's 12 Giant Men_as Turks fondly know their national basketball team_ gave a roaring home crowd here in Istanbul's Abdi Ipekci much to cheer for. The match was tied at 37 at halftime and Turkey was only down 54-50 going into the last period. Turkey had the Brazilians running in the last period, but a victory for the Turks was not to be.
Bulgaria narrowly beat out China 97-95 to take fifth place and Angola defeated Algeria 71-59 to win that match as competitions in the tournament wrapped up Sunday.
