Three more UBC Thunderbirds are coming back to campus with Commonwealth Games medals after Canada's men's basketball team dropped an 87-47 decision to hosts Australia in the gold medal game Sunday in Gold Coast, Australia.
 
Canada concluded their impressive 2018 Commonwealth tournament with a silver medal, the country's first in men's basketball at the Commonwealth Games and it comes in Canada's first-ever participation in the event at the Games.


 
T-Birds contributing to Canada's cause included fifth-year forward Conor Morgan, first-year forward Grant Shephard and longtime coach Kevin Hanson serving as an assistant on the staff.
 
In the gold medal game, it was Shephard stepping up with an efficient afternoon as Canada's second leading scorer, managing seven points and three offensive rebounds in 11:55 of playing time. After pouring in 19 points in Canada's semifinal win over New Zealand, Morgan was held to four points and four defensive rebounds in his 31:08 of action. Leading the way for Canada was Carleton Ravens guard Munis Tutu with 10 points and six rebounds in his 26:18 on the floor.


 
The Canadians trailed 20-10 after the first quarter and then Australia used a 16-0 run in the second quarter to build a 45-19 lead at halftime. The young Canadian contingent continued to battle in the second half but the experienced Australian squad did not falter the rest of the way in securing the victory.
 
The silver was also Canada's only medal on the final day of competition and the 82nd medal (15 gold, 40 silver, 27 bronze) for Canada at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.