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For Germany and Japan, it was the final showdown on who moves forward as number one in Group A of the women’s wheelchair basketball competition at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Japan clearly showed up to win on their home turf - 38 minutes in and the Tokyo 2020 host looked like they were capable of causing an upset and defeating the unbeaten Germans. But Germany wasn't giving up just yet. With 1 minute and 8 seconds left, another real thriller emerged as Katherina Lang equalled the game (54-54). From that moment onwards, the game was decided at the free-throw line and Germany scored the decisive 5 points from the line to win 54-59. Katherina Lang was not only Mrs Clutch (scoring the winning free throws and collecting the much needed defensive rebounds), she had an excellent overall performance (27pts, 17 rebounds, 8 assists). Germany finishes the Group stage undefeated and will now take on Spain in the quarter-finals.
The second game in Group A was Canada and Australia who suited up to complete the final game of the women’s pool stage and to determine the final standing. By halftime, it was clear Canada it is highly unlikely that they would not add another loss to their record and secure the second spot in Group A. Both teams distributed their minutes so, in the end, all 24 players could clock in active on-court time. Final score 76-37.
The final games in Group B ended as many would have anticipated. Netherlands getting an unthreatened victory against Spain (24-63) and the USA beating Algeria (21-62). The Netherlands was once again led by their power-duo - consisting of Bo Kramer and Mariska Beijer - both of which delivered a double-double. USA used their last group-stage game to give the entire roster enough minutes so that every single player from the US team could register their name on the scoreboard.
The quarter-finals line-up is now confirmed for Tuesday 31st August:
12:30 - Canada v USA
15:00 - Germany v Spain
18:15 - China v Great Britain
20:45 - Netherlands v Japan
For a full wheelchair basketball schedule and results click here.
Pictures: Shingo Ito X-1
