Sam Dalembert had 15 points, eight rebounds and five blocked shots to lead Canada to a 93-83 victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands on Friday in the opening round of the FIBA Americas tournament.

Dalembert, the 6-foot-11 center for the 76ers who became a Canadian citizen last month, was helped inside by 6-7 Juan Mendez, who played at Niagara and had 22 points and seven rebounds. Canada shot 63 percent from the field (20-of-32) in taking a 53-40 halftime lead.

Samuel Dalembert scored 18 points, six in the final 2:05, and Canada beat Venezuela 80-73 on Thursday in the FIBA Americas tournament.

The 76ers center, who was born in Haiti and recently became a Canadian citizen, also grabbed eight rebounds and blocked five shots as the Canadians evened their record at 1-1.

Samuel Dalembert, the 76ers' Haitian-born center, was sworn in as a Canadian citizen this morning in a private ceremony in Hamilton, Ontario and is scheduled to join the Canadian National Team later today.

A press conference is scheduled for 5 p.m.

"We're extremely excited," said Andrew Cook, manager of men's elite performance for Canada Basketball. "Sam's a wonderful person, and as a player will significantly enhance our chances of qualifying for the Olympics."