Canada Go 2-0 at the Parapan American Games
Canada are so far undefeated in both the men's and women's Parapan American Games wheelchair basketball tournaments, with each team dominating in their first two match-ups.
Colombia was the first opponent for both the men’s team and women’s - who showed no mercy. They dominating possession throughout their opening encounter with the South Americans, who went scoreless for the entire second half.
Gladys Gomez was the only scorer for Colombia, while Kathleen Dandeneau led Canada with 21 points and Arinn Young had 20 of her own in their 83-6 thrashing of Colombia.
The Colombians put up more of a fight in the opening game of the men’s event, but still proved little trouble for Canada, who played the better-percentage basketball in this one.Patrick Anderson put in a stand-out showing of 25 points and 11 rebounds for Canada, who opened their Parapan campaign with a 64-51 win.
The women’s team continued their form from day one in their second match-up with Argentina, who had few answers for the Canadian play in the paint. Led by Arinn Young’s 29 points, Canada went on to make more than half of all their field goal attempts in their 82-25 defeat of Argentina.
After trailing Mexico at the end of the first quarter, the men’s team went on to dominate the remainder of the game on both the offensive and defensive ends. Trying to keep Mexico alive were Salvador Sandoval and Eduardo Jasso, who respectively had 18 and 17 points, but there was no going back for them.
Canada again played high-percentage basketball, shot over 50% from three-point territory and saw another amazing performance from Anderson with 26 points and 20 rebounds. They kept themselves undefeated with a second win, this one 74-48 over Mexico.
Both teams are currently at the top of Pool A, with a final win sealing the top spot for them. The women's team will next face Mexico while the men's team have Argentina have Argentina to contend with in their final group game.
Check back here for updates on the final games of the wheelchair basketball group stage and visit the official Parapan American Games website for the full details.
Picture: Wheelchair Basketball Canada
