Search

show me:

Rollers cruise past Germany in basketball

3 minute read

Australia's men's wheelchair basketball team has continued their winning start, accounting for Germany in Paralympic pool round action in Tokyo.

The Rollers have continued their unbeaten start in Paralympic men's wheelchair basketball, holding off Germany 64-53 in Saturday's pool round.

The Australians have now won their opening three Group B games - also beating Algeria and Iran - and take on reigning champions USA on Sunday.

They also still have a match against world champions Great Britain on Monday at Ariake Stadium.

Veteran Shaun Norris was delighted with their start to the tournament given their lack of play through the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We knew coming into the tournament it was going to be quite tough considering that we really haven't played together in about three years," said the 36-year-old, who made his Paralympic debut in 2004.

"It's been challenging but the boys have turned up well.

"Being in Australia we live so far from everyone that we don't really get too many games throughout the year anyway, so maybe we're built for this situation."

The Rollers got off to a flying start and were up 21-11 at the end of the first quarter.

The Germans found their rhythm but with Bill Latham and Norris leading the scoring, Australia maintained a 28-22 lead at halftime.

They maintained a seven-point lead heading into the final 10-minute stanza and while Germany put on some pressure, the Rollers were able to kick away for a comfortable win.

But the Gliders' hopes of progressing from group A are all but scuppered after Australia's women's wheelchair basketball team suffered a 75-38 loss to Great Britain.

Gliders captain Georgia Munro-Cook scored 16 points and Amber Merritt landing 14 but Great Britain burst out of the blocks and extended their lead at every change.

The game was realistically a must-win after Australia's heavy losses to Japan and Germany.

The Gliders next face Canada on Sunday.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au