Team Canada dropped a 70-65 decision to China to open the 2024 Paralympic Games on Thursday.
Kady Dandeneau led the way with a team-high 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Rosalie Lalonde added 18 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Cindy Ouellet chipped in eight points, six rebounds and four assists.
“First of all, the atmosphere was electric, and it’s a special environment to coach and play in,” said head coach Michele Sung. “I was really happy with our prep; we were locked into the gameplan. If this was our starting point, I’m really excited – we have a lot to build off of from this game, for sure.”
Canada led 55-53 heading into the fourth quarter but were outscored 17-10 in the final period. Team Canada finished shooting 50 per cent from the field, while China finished 31 of 57 shooting.
“It was just definitely little errors on our part. Just mental lapses that kind of messed us up for easy layups or easy shots,” said Arinn Young, who finished with seven points and three rebounds. “It’s a good game to learn from and bounce back from. Just because we lost one game doesn’t mean we’re out for the rest of the tournament. Just need a good regroup and get ready for the game on Saturday.”
China led 37-33 at the break.
The SWNT opened the second on an 8-5 run through the first four minutes; however, China outscored Canada 13-10 in the final six minutes to hold a four-point advantage.
Dandeneau had a game-high 13 points and four assists at the half, while Lalonde chipped in 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Canada jumped out to an early 6-2 lead and held a 12-4 lead near the midway mark of the period, but China bounced back to lead 19-15 after one quarter.
Dandeneau paced Canada with seven points, while Ouellet added six points and three rebounds.
Up next, the SWNT will face Great Britain on Saturday at 4:30 a.m. ET.
Complete stats from Thursday’s game can be found here.
Tournament schedule and results can be found on WBC’s website.
Images from the 2024 Paralympics can be found on the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s photo shelter here.
Media contact:
Dhiren Mahiban
Media Attaché
dmahiban@wheelchairbasketball.ca
416-574-6682