In the opening game on the 16 September, France took on Brazil in the Women’s 7th-8th Play Offs.
It was the French team who got off to the stronger start: shooting their way to a 9-4 lead before a stunning final three minutes to the quarter by Brazil saw the host nation hit back to within one point (8-9) before France responded to close out the first 10 minutes by 12-8.
The second quarter, however, saw Brazil rally together – outshooting their opponents by 16-4 – to hold a 24-16 lead at half time.
A tense third quarter then ensued: the two teams matching each other point for point; with just 10 minutes remaining in the game it was therefore Brazil who still had the upper hand: 36-28.
Brazil continued to build their momentum in the final 10 quarter as they overcame a gritty performance by France to secure 7th place with 57-39 victory in front of an electric home crowd.
France Head Coach Pascal Montet said: “We have a lot of regrets. It could have been a good game but we missed some baskets and lost some balls. It was difficult.
“We will go back now and word hard and be more rigorous.”
Almedia Vileide, Brazil’s top scorer with 17 points, said: “It was great: I feel very excited! Brazil did the best that we could do, hopefully we are going to get to the podium at the next Paralympic Games. We did all we could do.”
For full match statistics click here https://www.rio2016.com/en/paralympics/wheelchair-basketball-womens-classification-playoff-7-8
