Dandeneau dominates in decisive Canadian hoops victory over Spain – The Toronto Observer

Kady Dandeneau’s 36-point triple double led Canada’s wheelchair basketball team to a dominant 81-49 victory over Spain on Sunday, wrapping up the group stage at the 2024 Paralympic Games, with a 2-1 record.

Arinn Young (St. Albert, Alta.) was second in team scoring with 23 points for Canada while Dandeneau added 12 rebounds and 12 assists. Canada will now advance to the quarterfinals, after finishing second in Group A behind China.

Isabel Lopez led the Spanish with 12 points, and Beatriz Zudaire had 11 in a losing effort for her country, which finished 0-3 and with a -93 point differential.

“I’m super proud of the group. I think we knew that coming in, we would have to execute three solid game plans,” said Canadian head coach Michele Sung, afterwards. “This tournament is super competitive.

“I really applaud the athletes — they did a great job tonight, for sure.”

Lopez and Zudaire were able to generate some early offence and keep things close, but a 9-0 run that included seven consecutive points from Dandeneau helped Canada go ahead 21-14 at the end of the first quarter.

Young was able to provide some secondary scoring for Canada in the second quarter, picking up eight of the team’s 20 points in the frame while Dandeneau added 10. That brought her total to 23 points in the first half, giving Canada a commanding 41-26 lead after 20 minutes of play.

OFFENCE TAKES COMMAND

Cindy Ouellet came alive for Canada in the second half, recording eight of her 14 points in the third quarter.

Before being subbed out with 2:27 left in the third quarter, Dandeneau continued to make an impact at both ends of the floor, adding six points, two assists, a block and a steal to extend Canada’s lead to 59-36 heading into the final 10 minutes of play.

Young continued to shine in the fourth quarter, dropping 11.

One of the biggest factors in this game was Spain’s lack of discipline, as Canada drew 12 fouls and converted on 17-of-20 free throw attempts, while Spain went just three-for-five from the charity stripe.

Canada will have to wait until the remaining group stage games are completed on Monday before its next opponent is set, but all of the women’s quarterfinal matchups will take place on Wednesday at Bercy Arena.

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