Rollers’ Paris slide continues as coach fires up

by Admin
August 30, 2024

Australia’s men’s wheelchair basketball team remains at the bottom of group B after a 68-60 defeat to Spain on Friday night (AEST).

Looking to make amends after a clunky performance against the Netherlands, the Rollers were impressive early with just five points separating the teams at quarter-time.

But the Aussies’ defence in the second half proved costly as the team fell to its second defeat from two matches.

All eight teams — there are two groups of four — will feature in the quarter-finals, but the Rollers’ embattled start to their campaign has them headed for an incredibly tough match-up.

Spain played an aggressive yet composed style of basketball, with the youthful spirits of Jaylen Brown and Eithen Leard igniting momentum in the Aussie line-up in the second term.

Brown, 19, matched the energy and determination of his Spanish counterparts with 11 points in the second quarter.

Leard followed in the teen’s path, setting up a brilliant assist for Tristan Knowles to close the second quarter with an eight-point deficit.

Rollers coach Brad Ness addressing his team. Nine

But the Spanish maintained a commanding lead, with Alejandro Zarzuela recording a 19-point haul in the third quarter to combine with his five points in the first.

“When you’re down by this much it doesn’t matter,” Nine’s Mitcell Tomlinson said in commentary as the Rollers returned for the final term.

“Just keep playing to bridge the gap.”

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An animated pep talk from coach Brad Ness spurred the team on for the final quarter, which the Rollers won 30-16.

But the efforts were not enough to steal victory from the Spaniards with the Rollers recording their second loss from two games.

The Rollers will face reigning Paralympic champions Team USA on Sunday evening (AEST).

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