The Canadian men’s wheelchair basketball team won their first match at the World Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. On Sunday, the day after their 65-52 defeat against Germany, the Canadian squad got the better of Thailand by a score of 83-55.
Nikola Goncin and Patrick Anderson shone on the Canadian attack side as they scored 29 and 21 points respectively.
“It’s an important victory after our defeat yesterday [dimanche] “, recognized Jonathan Vermette, of Sherbrooke, one of the two Quebecers of the team with Vincent Dallaire, of Quebec.
“There are several things that have unlocked in attack and defense as well. The team chemistry was better. It’s only the beginning of the tournament and we have to continue to improve some elements of our game,” added the 32-year-old.
It was the Thais who led 21-18 after the first quarter. The Canadians then took a 24-23 lead midway through the second quarter to extend their lead to 40-31 at halftime.
The second half of the match was clearly to the advantage of the Canadians who no longer looked back. Two of the keys to the success of the Canadians in this game was that they were able to register 24 points following turnovers compared to 11 for the Thais in addition to having made 57% of their shots from 2 points.
Canada will meet Egypt on Wednesday in their final Group B game.
“After that, the competition will become more and more serious,” concluded Vermette.
As for the Canadian women’s team, it will play its second match of the tournament on Monday against the Spaniards.