Rollers end USA hoodoo at Paralympics

The win, the Rollers fourth consecutive, has them sitting pretty on top of their pool with only one preliminary fixture against Italy to come before the Quarter Final stage.

Australian teams had suffered four consecutive defeats to their American counterparts, with the Jayco Opals, Boomers, Under 17 Men and Women all coming undone.

Leading the charge for the Rollers was none other than Justin Eveson, with the multiple Paralympian underlining his reputation as one of the best players in wheelchair basketball, falling one assist short of a triple double.

The 32-year-old finished the 16-point win with a stats line of 15 points, 16 rebounds and 9 assists in a memorable display. Shaun Norris (16 points 5 rebounds) continued his impressive offensive tournament, while Rollers captain Brad Ness also added 13 points.

It was a dour defensive affair early on with the Rollers able to find some separation from their American opponents to lead 27-20 at half time, but not the fluidity that has been the hallmark of their play in London.

The second half saw the game open up and the USA close the gap after the lead jumped out to 11 points early in the third quarter. The Rollers appeared comfortable before an 8-2 run from the Americans had the margin back to five points.

As they have all tournament the Rollers lifted when asked, ending the quarter on an 8-1 run courtesy of some quality execution from Eveson, Norris, Tristan Knowles and Bill Latham.

The 12-point lead heading into the final quarter was never breached as the Rollers made it four from four.

Next up for the Australians is their final preliminary game against Italy at 12:15am AEST tomorrow before Quarter Final action.

Boxscore




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