Despite a 13-point performance from Barrett, Canada's Olympic hopes were crushed Friday morning in Athens when the team fell 83-62 to Croatia in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament quarter-final match. Canada had to win in order to advance at the International Basketball Federation tourney.
“We have a young nucleus of guys who need this experience to bring Canada back to prominence,” said Barrett, 35. "Looking at the future, it’s nice to see a stable of young guys who are getting better…every country has their time.”
Up by seven at the half, Croatia roared out to a 26-13 third quarter, ending any hopes of a Canadian comeback.
“I think the guys fought hard, but we just ran out of gas,” said Canadian head coach Leo Rautins. “We rebounded the ball well, got second chances…but unfortunately it just wasn’t enough.”
Olu Famutimi led the Canadians with 14 points, while Marko Popovic netted a game-high 17 points for Croatia.
Canada plays its final game of the summer July 25 against the U.S. national squad at the 2008 State Farm USA Basketball Challenge in Las Vegas.
