Team Canada wheelchair basketball triumphs in Paralympics opener – Energeticcity.ca

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Co-captained by Wonowon’s Bo Hedges, Team Canada’s men’s wheelchair basketball squad opened up the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris with a solid victory against the hosts on August 30th.

Appearing in his fourth Paralympics, the 44-year-old Hedges shot one-for-three from the field for two points in a little under six minutes of action, as Canada prevailed 83-68 over France in their first game in group A.

The Canadians were a bit vengeful after losing 61-55 to France in the IWBF Repechage tournament in April.

Canada surged to a six-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but the French outscored the Canadians 21-13 in the second quarter and led by two at the half.

However, the momentum shifted again in the third, as the Canadians went on a 15-0 run and led 61-54, buoyed by their 44 points scored within the paint.

They built their lead up to as much as 16, outscoring the French 22-14 in the fourth to win, disappointing the predominantly French crowd of 12,726 spectators at the Bercy Arena.

The Canadian defense forced 14 turnovers from their opponents, which led to 15 points off turnovers.

Canada’s top scorer was Colin Higgins, who scored 38 points, including 50 per cent on three-pointers.  Nicholas Jouanserre scored 38 for the French in the loss.

Canada’s next game in Group A will be against Great Britain on Saturday morning. The British won their opening game against Germany by a score of 76-55. 

Tip-off time is 6:45 a.m. Pacific, with the game streamed live on the CBC Sports Paralympic Games website.