Titfortat
Years ago
Aussie Rollers retain World Title
The Australian Mens Wheelchair Basketball Team today retained their world title by defeating the USA 63-57 in the final. Top scorer for the rollers was Tristan Knowles with 17, Justin Eveson and Shaun Norris both with 11.
After doing it the hard way in the semi final against Turkey by coming back from a 20 point half time deficit, the rollers opened with a 22-13 first quarter. The US slowly pegged back the lead to tie it at 50 in the last, before Australia settled to lead 60-53 with 57 seconds to play.
Things got tight with the US closing to within 3 with just 36 seconds to play before Australia closed it out from the free throw line.
This tournament followed the Woman's World Championship held in Toronto 2 weeks ago that saw the gliders finish a disappointing sixth after losing their 5v6 qualification game in OT to Great Brittain. They were defeated by eventual champions Canada in their quarter final match up.
New South Wales referee Matt Wells officiated the bronze medal game at the Mens tournament which followed South Australian referee Phil Haines who was named as crew chief on the Woman's final.
