World Championship Round Up Day 8
World Championships Day Nine Round Up The Netherlands beat China to set up a match with Great Britain for the right to finish fifth in the tournament this morning. The Netherlands played an excellent first quarter which saw them go into the second quarter 21 – 8 in the lead and China struggled to recover from that huge deficit. China rallied in the second quarter but the damage was already done and despite narrowing the gap to eight points at half time, The Netherlands were always in control. The final score of 69 – 48 was largely due to Carina Versloot and Inge Huitzing who scored 48 points between them while for China the points were spread across the team with several players scoring eight, nine and ten points. China will now play Japan for seventh and eighth place on Friday.
After disappointment for Great Britain women yesterday, there were smiles all round today as they jumped up the World Rankings by defeating Japan 46 – 31. Some excellent shooting from Clare Strange helped GB to victory along with Caroline Matthews whose inclusion in the second half of the game was influential. In what was a tight match Great Britain found confidence to pull away during the final quarter to win a place in the 5th/6th face play off were they will meet The Netherlands for the second time in the competition.
France’s incredible journey in these world championships continues as they ran out 58 – 63 winners over Italy in the first men’s semi-final. Sofyane Mehiaoui, who was the main threat against GB in the previous game, once again was one of the main reasons for France’s success. A 19 point game was complimented with strong rebounds and assists as France proved to have just too much for Italy. Both sides performed well in different quarters but the strong defence of the French, which restricted Italy to just eight and six points in the first and third quarters, was the difference and ultimately took the French through. A strong finish by Italy in the final quarter was not quite enough and France held on to make it to the final, a feat all the more remarkable as they have done so without a four point classified player.
Germany booked their place in the final with a good win over Australia in the first women’s semi – final. A close game saw both sides playing well and dominating in different quarters but the Germans ultimately had too much for Australia after leading 29 – 26 at half time. Marina Mohnen cemented her place as one of the tournament’s leading scorers with a points haul of 26 while Annika Zeyen and Gesche Schunemann also contributed with 15 points each. For Australia, Cobi Crispin kept up her good scoring performances and Kylie Gauci also contributed well. The final score of 66 – 47 left Australia contemplating the bronze medal match and Germany looking towards gold.
The second men’s game of day eight saw Turkey play Poland after both lost yesterday in the quarter finals to USA and Australia respectively. Missed chances early on until Luszynski for Poland put the first 2 points onto the board. A great response from Turkey and a 3 pointer from Turan gave them the early one point advantage. Gurbulak, Turkey’s leading scorer was trying the 3 pointers but none were dropping for him. Both sides were matching each others baskets with only a 2 point lead at the end of the first. 14-12. Second quarter continued in the same style being very close with scoring and missed shots for both teams. With Poland just edging it with a two point lead Dalay for Turkey received the foul on the lay-up but was unable to convert the free throws to level the score and put the pressure back on. In the final stages of the half some good offence by Poland and a 2 pointer on the tilt for Luszynski lead to them having the 3 point advantage. Turkey only committed one foul for the whole half. 23-26. Turkey started to come back into the game getting the score to 32-32 at the 5 minute stage. Poland then increased the pressure and through some great offence and scoring again by Luszynski, who will be hoping to maintain his 20 points per game average, gave themselves the more comfortable scoreline of 36-43 with only one quarter to go. Great cross over passing by Poland gave Filipski a lay-up with the foul received for the free throws converting both to extend the lead. Poland were starting to make the most of their chances and with good defence allowed them to increase the lead giving them a comfortable margin with 2 minutes left on the clock. Poland decided against using their full bench making use of only 6 players with four playing all 40 minutes. Final score 49-62 with Poland playing Great Britain next to battle for 5th or 6th place.
Great Britain and Canada’s men had to put aside both their disappointments of not reaching the semi-finals going into this game. Great Britain started well but never pulled away from Canada who dominated the third quarter to have a lead of 12 points at one stage. However Great Britain showed great resolve in the game with an amazing 29 – 6 final quarter to ensure they reach the 5th/6th playoff game to face Poland tomorrow.
Australia set up a world championships final match with France after seeing off USA in the second men’s semi-final. The game could have gone either way as Australia led after the first quarter but USA went into the half time break 35 – 29 ahead. The third quarter was a close affair with USA extending their lead by two points and seemingly heading for the final but an excellent performance by Australia saw them outscore USA by 25 points to seven and finish the game 68 – 58 winners. Justin Eveson again performed well for Australia scoring 27 points while Michael Paye registered 17 points but it was not enough as USA will now compete against Italy for the bronze medal.
The final game of day eight was the women’s semi final between USA and Canada after successful wins for both in the quarter finals against Great Britian and Japan respectively. With a place in the final at stake and good support in the stands there was all to play for and the game started with Canada winning the jump ball and Ferguson getting the first points of the game. Woodson-Smith for USA, leading average points scorer for the tournament so far, was introduced to the game and almost immediately scored her first 2 points to put USA into double figures. McLachlan, top womens scorer of the tournament, for Canada was taking full advantage of her height scoring a nice 2 pointer to put the sides level. A great long pass by Hunter for USA down court setup Miller nicely converting the lay-up, although Canada were there to defend the pressure. The quarter ended with the advantage to Canada with a two point lead. 12-14. Second quarter begun with USA pushing Canada and some great play allowed them to add 6 points to the board while Canada failed to add to their total putting USA in the lead. Both teams were evenly matched although USA were playing strong maintaining the lead they had created. Benoit for Canada was having a good game scoring a fine 2 pointer under pressure to keep the USA lead at bay who continued the good offence to ensure they went into the break with the six point advantage. 31-25. Second half started with USA extending the lead through three baskets in quick succession. Canada's Ouellet was introduced back on court scoring a nice lay-up. The quarter ended with USA extending their lead to 10 points knowing that they were a quarter away from the final. 47-37. The final quarter started with some fine shooting by Murray for USA to add to her total. Canada continued to push but maybe with the added semi final pressure, missed some opportunities meaning that they still had an 8 point lead to overturn with only four minutes left on the clock. Canada continued to push while USA started a full court press to increase the pressure. Canada managed to reduce the lead to 5 points although this lasted less then 10 seconds with USA converting their chances refusing to let the game slip. Canada's leading scorer McLachlan was continuing her fine form scoring a total of 33 points but this proved still not to be enough with USA winning what was a great game. USA will now play Germany in a repeat of the Paralympic final in Beijing two years ago.
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