National Sports

HERAKLION, Greece — Canada will not defend its title at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup. Joel Ayayi had 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as France edged Canada 85-80 in quarterfinal action on Friday. The No.

An Ontario cabinet minister said Friday that she apologized to the owner of the Ottawa Senators for being "blunt" — which came after she reportedly hurled a profane tirade at Eugene Melnyk at a Rolling Stones concert.

TORONTO — The Kawhi Leonard watch continued Friday with less than 24 hours remaining before NBA free agents can officially sign contracts. Players can put pen to paper at 12 p.m.

VANCOUER, B.C. — After weeks of speculation, the Vancouver Whitecaps are officially keeping left back Ali Adnan. The club announced Friday that it has acquired the Iraqi defender from Italian club Udinese in a "multi-million dollar transaction.

VANCOUVER — Forward Josh Leivo has signed a one-year, US$1.5-million extension with the Vancouver Canucks. Leivo, 25, had a career-high 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 76 games with the Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs last season.

TORONTO — Playing fullback in rugby league requires a wide skill set. For Toronto Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott, a fullback is usually the fittest player on the field because of the metres he has to cover as the last line of defence.

REGINA — Gainer the Gopher has found out this week just how much controversy a makeover can cause.

Canadian Mike Woods remembers growing up watching the Tour de France. Now the 32-year-old from Ottawa wants to give viewers back home something to cheer about. Woods, in his first Tour de France, is aiming for a stage win.

MONTREAL — Reinforcements could not have come at a better time for the Montreal Impact.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps are one of just two teams to have beaten the top squad in Major League Soccer this season, and they know repeating the feat won't be easy.