Rollers Close in on Rio Qualification
The Australian men’s wheelchair basketball team is one win away from securing its spot at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games after defeating Thailand 77-54 in Chiba, Japan.
The London 2012 silver medallists have reached the final four, knowing that a win in their semi final will guarantee entry to Rio, with three spots available in the men’s draw at the 2015 Asia Oceania Zone qualification tournament.
The Rollers remain undefeated in Japan and they were never realistically threatened by Thailand, despite the opposition putting in a spirited effort against the reigning world champions.
Led by 22 points from Tristan Knowles and 16 from Bill Latham, the Rollers were too strong in the paint for Thailand, draining 50 points in close, whilst restricting their opponents to just 18.
It was this defensive theme that proved pivotal for Australia. With Thailand just two points adrift at quarter time, the Rollers rallied in the second term, out-scoring the opposition 26-6 to open up a match winning 22 point lead at the main break.
Coach Ben Etteridge was able to rotate his list in the second half, to ensure his squad will be fresh as they prepare to book their Paralympic place over the weekend.
WAIS is represented by three scholarship holders in Chiba, with captain Brad Ness (six points, four rebounds), joined by Shaun Norris (two points, five assists) and Adam Deans (three rebounds).
Aekkasit Jumjarean played a virtual lone hand for the Thais, contributing 25 of his side’s 54 points but with the Australians posting 18 points from turnovers, his efforts were never going to be enough.
The Australian women’s side face an altogether more difficult route to Rio, after they fell today to a second defeat against China (47-58) in their three team competition in Chiba.
The Gliders have recorded two wins over hosts Japan but have also twice suffered defeat against China and will need to defeat Japan later today in order to progress to a straight final against the already qualified China.
The second quarter proved critical in this clash too, after the Gliders saw a two-point quarter time lead dissipate off the back of a 20-8 run from China across the second term.
The Australians restricted the margin to single figures in the third term but couldn’t close the gap, as China extended out to a well fought 11 point win.
WAIS athlete Clare Nott was outstanding for Australia, scoring 10 points and pulling in three rebounds, whilst fellow WAIS scholarship holders; Amber Merritt (four points), Sarah Vinci (two points) and Georgia Inglis also played for Australia in the clash.
Jiameng Dai starred for China with 22 points and 13 rebounds, highlighting her threat at either end of the court.
Having won silver in London back in 2012, the Australians face the prospect of missing Rio unless they can defeat Japan and reverse their form against China in the AOZ Qualification final.