Rollers Progress at World Champs, Undefeated

The Australian Rollers have gone undefeated through the first phase of games at the 2014 IWBF World Wheelchair Basketball Championship in South Korea, defeating Italy 65-45 on Tuesday.

Finishing top of the “Group of Death”, the Rollers advance to the second phase of group games, where they will face Columbia, Turkey and the USA over the coming three days of competition.

It was a typically clinical performance from the Rollers, chasing down a fast start from Italy, thanks to a brilliant first-half shooting display from WAIS athlete and triple Paralympian Shaun Norris.

Norris was unstoppable, posting 14 points on 7-of-11 from the field (18 points and five rebounds for the game) as the Australians overturned a 9-6 deficit midway through the first quarter to lead 18-12 at the end of the opening period.

Fellow WAIS athlete Justin Eveson had another big game, notching up 16 points and 10 rebounds on his way to a double-double, while Tristan Knowles had 13 points and six rebounds.

The Rollers put on the defensive clamps in the second period, pushing their lead out to 36-21 at the main interval. The second half was a more measured affair as the Italians struggled to crack the Rollers double-digit advantage.

WAIS is also being represented by captain Brad Ness, Michael Hartnett and Adam Deans.

The Rollers next 2014 IWBF World Wheelchair Basketball Championship challenge comes tomorrow against Colombia at 3:45pm Perth time.

-BasketballAus