Canadian women now 4-0 at wheelchair basketball world championships

OTTAWA – Arinn Young scored a game high 15 points to lead Canada to a convincing 80-37 victory over Brazil on Sunday afternoon in women’s competition at the wheelchair basketball world championships.

With the win, Canada sits atop the Group A standings with a perfect 4-0 record. Later today Great Britain (3-0) faces Australia (0-3) and Spain (2-1) meets China (1-2) in the other Group A games.

“It was really a team win,” said veteran Élodie Tessier noting all 12 Canadian players saw court time.  ‘’Coming off such an emotional game against China that can sometimes lower the pressure for the next one.’’

On Saturday, Canada beat China 66-62 to avenge a loss to China in the third-place game at the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Tessier, on the floor for 21 minutes and 49 seconds, scored four of Canada’s first eight points Sunday in the opening two and a half minutes.

‘’It’s always important to get a good start,’’ said the two-time Paralympian from St-Germain de Grantham, Que.  ‘’It’s something we’ve wanted to improve upon here and land that first punch.’’

Veteran Cindy Ouellet and rookie Elise Froese each added 15 points while Kady Dandeneau chipped in 11.

Rookie Rosie Long notched her second basket of the tournament and earned some valuable playing time (26:49). She was a constant pest for Brazil’s offence.

‘’I’m a middle child so I’m used to being in people’s way,’’ said Long, 19, from Oakville, Ont., the youngest player on the team. ‘’This was my favorite game so far, it was super fun and super aggressive.’’

Canada and Great Britain close out the preliminary round Tuesday at Carleton University at 2:30 p.m. (ET) with first place in Group A possibly on the line.

Meanwhile the Canadian men (2-1) are back in action on Monday in a round of 16 match against Poland (1-2). Game time is 2:45 p.m. at TD Place Arena.