Andy Rautins Is A Canadian Hero

Over the weekend, Team Canada went 1-2 in the FIBA Americas Championship.  That brought their total tournament record to 4-6. They ended the tournament with two consecutive losses.

Naturally, this is cause for celebration.

With their upset win over the Dominican Republic 80-76 on Friday, Team Canada not only moved into the semis of the tournament but also officially qualified for the 2010 World Championship by doing so.  Not bad for a team with a losing record.

Andy Rautins scored five and assisted on five more in the upset win.  Jermaine Anderson led Canada with 21 points. 

In the semis, Canada ran into Brazil who beat Canada 73-65, their second win over the Canucks in the last week.  Rautins put in a good effort with 12 points and four assists but it just wasn't enough for the over-matched & young squad.  In Saturday's consolation match-up, the Argentinians ended Canada's tournament run with a 88-73 win.  Canada was held to 18 first-half points and just ran out of gas after 7 games in the last two weeks.  Andy Rautins saw 29 minutes of action but failed to score a point.

Hopefully Andy has worked out the kinks in game as he prepares for the upcoming SU season.  Judging by the photo, he's already in mid-season form from a homoerotic photo standpoint.