Men's national basketball team downs Germany

Last Updated: Thursday, July 10, 2008 | 10:29 AM ET

CBC Sports

Forward Joel Anthony, right, hit seven of his eight shots from the floor in Canada's 91-86 win over Germany on Wednesday. (J.P. Moczulski/Canadian Press)

The Canadian men's basketball team survived a 33-point performance from former NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki and beat Germany 91-86 on Wednesday in the first of two exhibition games prior to next week's Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens, Greece.

Miami Heat forward Joel Anthony led the way for Canada with 22 points and five rebounds, while Carl English of St. John's, N.L., gave Canada a huge lift off the bench with 20 points. English, a six-foot-five sharpshooter, knocked down five three-pointers, with one coming in the final two minutes of the game to help keep Canada ahead.

Veteran national team member Rowan Barrett chipped in 16 points with five rebounds in the win.

For Canada, the game provided a solid measuring stick against a team it could face in the later stages of next week's qualifying tournament.

"They were a great test for us and each step is getting us ready for Greece," English said after the win. "We know they'll come out harder next game."

Canada also welcomed the return of Philadelphia 76ers centre Samuel Dalembert, who had not played since June 30 because of a sore calf. The pivot contributed eight points and three rebounds in 12:29 minutes of action.

Los Angeles Clippers centre Chris Kaman, who obtained his German citizenship earlier in the week, was with the team but did not suit up Wednesday. It's unknown if he'll play when the teams play another exhibition game on Friday. However, the pivot is expected to patrol the paint for Germany at the qualifying tournament next week.

The Olympic qualifying tournament begins in Athens on Monday. Canada will play its first game against Slovenia on Tuesday, the same day that Germany will square off with Cap Verde.