FIBA Basketball World Cup: Semi-Finals Set After Luka Doncic and Dillon Brooks Get Ejected From Canada vs. Slovenia Game

And then there were four. The FIBA Basketball World Cup has now reached its semi-final stage in Manila, Philippines, and both games will be Europe vs. North America. However, one star will not be participating and that is Slovenia's Luka Doncic as he and his country fell to Canada in their quarterfinal, where he got himself ejected to the loud boos of the Filipino crowd.

The final four include the United States and Canada representing North America, and also Serbia and Germany representing Europe. Team USA will be taking on Germany, while Serbia will take on Canada.

According to the official FIBA website, the Basketball World Cup Semi-Finals are scheduled for Friday, September 8, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The Serbia vs. Canada game will happen at around 08:45 GMT, while the United States will try to reach the finals again around 12:40 GMT.

The first match will be a first as Serbia and Canada have never faced each other, even during friendlies. The Eagles will be without NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets but are led by Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks. Meanwhile, Canada has the second most number of NBA players in the tournament but is led by Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the ever-controversial Dillon Brooks.

Meanwhile, in the second match, Germany will try to knock off perhaps the strongest team in the Final 4 right now, Team USA. Led by LA Lakers star Dennis Schroeder, Germany is the only undefeated team left. However, the Americans are hungry and want another World Cup after a disappointing tournament in China last time.

Drama in Canada Vs. Slovenia Game as Luka Doncic and Dillon Brooks Both Get Ejected

Luka Doncic was carrying Slovenia as the team struggled against Canada in their quarterfinal match-up. However, the Dallas Mavericks all-star was growing increasingly frustrated as the Canadians hounded him and singled him out all throughout the game.

This was especially tough as one of the people guarding him was Dillon Brooks, who has so far embraced his villain status not just in the NBA but also in international competition. As Doncic continued complaining, he received his second technical foul in the fourth quarter, getting himself ejected. With Luka out of the picture, Canada went on a tear and demolished Slovenia to book a ticket to the semi-finals.

Brooks, who received the ire of Lakers fans earlier this year, was also ejected. However, he did not seem to be bothered about it, as he was seen doing some shadowboxing in the dugout. He was ejected after taunting a Slovenian player, further playing into his role as basketball's biggest villain.

USA Regains Composure During Statement Win over Italy

A day before the Luka Doncic drama, Team USA had to bounce back from that tough loss against Lithuania in the second round, and bounce back they did as the Americans routed the Italians in a very one-sided match. The 5-time World Cup champions picked apart the Italians to a dominating 100-63 victory. Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges had a breakout game as the Americans seek to prove that they are still the best country in basketball.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Canada vs. Slovenia QF highlights | 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup - Sep. 6, 2023 - One Sports