GB MEN DEFEAT HOSTS GERMANY TO QUALIFY FOR QUARTER FINALS OF
Great Britain Men are through to the quarter-finals of the World Wheelchair Basketball Championships after defeating the host nation Germany, 62-54 in the crossover stage of the tournament taking place in Hamburg between 16-26 August 2018.
The team will face Spain in tomorrow’s last eight clash and will be hoping to continue their excellent run of form in the tournament which has seen them win three and lose only once – to current Paralympic champions USA.
Commenting on the victory over Germany in his usual calm and collected manner, GB Men’s Head Coach Haj Bhania said:
“I felt we were in control the majority of the game – some of our changes enabled Germany to gain momentum in the final two quarters. They are a team that can be difficult to stop.
“Spain bring size and speed to court. Our approach will be to continue to play in our style – high tempo and high intensity. We are focused on the pressure game.”
GB’s standout performers were Simon Brown (2.0) and George Bates (4.5). Brown’s quick and agile play resulted in 5 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists, while Bates’ combination of finesse and physicality secured GB 21 points and 8 rebounds.
If GB Men can navigate their way past Spain, they’ll set up a semi-final clash on Friday 24 August. The bronze and gold medal games will take place on Sunday 26 August.
Follow the World Championships action at www.britishwheelchairbasketball.com or via social media @BritWheelBBall #TogetherWeAreGB.
Great Britain Squad:
Gaz Choudhry (Albacete Amiab) – Class 4.0 / Age 33
Simon Brown (Amiccaci) – Class 2.0 / Age 32
James Macsorley (Sheffield Steelers) – Class 2.0 / Age 23
Terry Bywater (Ilunion) – Class 4.5 / Age 35
George Bates (Sheffield Steelers) – Class 4.5 / Age 24
Harry Brown (Sheffield Steelers) – Class 2.5 / Age 24
Abdi Jama (Sheffield Steelers) – Class 1.0 / Age 35
Phil Pratt (Sheffield Steelers) – Class 3.0 / Age 24
Gregg Warburton (The Owls) – Class 2.0 / Age 21
Martin Edwards (The Owls) – Class 4.0 / Age 29
Lee Manning (Albacete Amiab) – Class 4.5 / Age 28
Jim Palmer (Rhine River Rhinos) – Class 1.0 / Age 21
