Canada took a hard-earned berth in the final of men's wheelchair basketball by defeating the United States 69-62 in double overtime in their semifinal game on Sunday at the National Indoor Stadium.
Forward Patrick Anderson scored a game-high 33 points, including three clutch free throws in double overtime for Canada. He had 21 of Canada's 61 rebounds, and six assists.
United States led by 35-23 in the first half, but just melt down for the second half.
"They're a very good shooting team, but we knew they would cool off at some point," said Anderson.
Anderson shot a game-tie pointer in the fourth quarter that sent the game into overtime in 57-57.
"I knew I had to get it off. I think that playing in a bigger chair, my height helped me get it off with the defence on me. I actually didn't think it was going in. It looked a little right and then it was drifting left, but it felt really good," said Anderson.
"This (game) will be a special memory for us, regardless of what happens in the final (on Tuesday). I have a lot of really good friends on that USA team, and it's a personal rivalry, but also a friendly one. We respect them a lot."
Center Joey Johnson made two field goals and a free throw in double overtime as well to assure a Canadian victory.
The United States missed several field goals and free throws in double overtime and these errors slowed their momentum as well as cost them a possible victory.
Centers Joe Chambers and Jeff Glasbrenner were the only two United States players who scored in the double digits, but the two shooters just had to wait on bench in the second overtime for being fouled out.
In another semifinal, Australia thrashed Britain 67-54 for the other spot in final.
Led by forward Justin Eveson and guard Shaun Norris, who combined for 41 points, Australia hit approximately 55 percent of their field goals and two-point shots.
Australia had overwhelmed Britain 67-48 in the preliminary game.
Canada will play Australia in the gold medal game, and the United States will play Britain in the bronze medal game on Tuesday at the National Indoor Stadium.
(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2008)