The 27-year-old from Kamloops, B.C., scored 26 points and added eight rebounds as Canada routed Argentina 99-87 on Friday in World Cup qualifying action.

It was a complete team effort from the Canadians, with 12 players scoring and all but two logging double-digit minutes. But Olynyk, who plays for the Miami Heat in the NBA, was the star.

“We stuck to our game plan and we executed,” he said after the game. “We wanted to come out and be aggressive, push the pace and get stops.”

The Canadians got off to a hot start, leading 28-15 after one quarter. Argentina, however, stormed back in the second and took a slim 42-41 lead into halftime. But Canada came out firing in the second half and quickly regained the lead. Olynyk scored eight points in the third quarter as the Canadians took a 68-61 advantage into the fourth.

Argentina made one last push in the fourth, trimming Canada’s lead to four points with just over three minutes remaining. But Canada held its nerve and closed out the game with a flurry of points to seal the win.

The victory improves Canada’s record to 4-0 in World Cup qualifying and secures their spot in the 2019 World Cup. Argentina, meanwhile, falls to 2-2 and will need to win their remaining two games to guarantee a spot in the World Cup.

With the win, Canada also avenged a loss to Argentina at last summer’s Olympics. That defeat knocked Canada out of medal contention and they ultimately finished in ninth place.

“We wanted to come out and prove that we’re a good team,” Olynyk said. “We felt like we didn’t really show what we’re capable of (at the Olympics) and we wanted to come out and prove that we can play with anybody in the world.”

The win was also Canada’s first over Argentina since 2002. “It’s a big win for us,” said Canada head coach Jay Triano. “Argentina is a storied program and they have some of the best players in the world. For our guys to come out and play the way they did, it’s a special win.”

With the win, Canada is now in second place in Group A behind Uruguay (3-0), which defeated the Dominican Republic (0-2) on Thursday. The top three teams from each of the four groups in the Americas zone will advance to the second round of World Cup qualifying.

Canada was led by 21 points from R.J. Barrett, who also had eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Cory Joseph added 15 points, while Kyle Wiltjer and Kevin Pangos chipped in with 12 points apiece. For Argentina, Luis Scola had a game-high 22 points.

The Canadians will now turn their attention to Sunday’s game against Uruguay. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. ET.