Skip to main content

France's Alain Koffi makes contact with Canada's Jevohn Shepherd during their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Izmir on Tuesday.SERGIO PEREZ/Reuters

Canada's men's basketball team remains winless at the FIBA world championships.



The Canadians lost 68-63 to France on Tuesday to fall to 0-3, diminishing their ever-dwindling chances of advancing to the second round.



Nicolas Batum led France with 24 points and seven rebounds.



Levon Kendall of Vancouver had 15 points and three assists, while Miami Heat centre Joel Anthony of Montreal grabbed five boards for the Canadians.



Canada led France 48-46 heading into the fourth quarter but were undone by poor shooting down the stretch.



"We tried to mix things up, a little man and little zone," Canada coach Leo Rautins said. "They found some holes here and there, as good teams do."



The Canadians played without starting point guard Andy Rautins, who was on the bench nursing a knee injury.



Canada went into the game needing to win two of its three final games.



Canada faces New Zealand on Wednesday and defending world champion Spain on Thursday.



The Canadians suffered losses to Lebanon and Lithuania earlier in the tournament.



France improved to 3-0, putting itself in a position to win the six-team Group D when it plays Lithuania on Wednesday.



"We knew they needed this game," France coach Vincent Collet said. "And they gave everything to win it."



Interact with The Globe