U.S. tops Netherlands for top spot

(OTTAWA, ONT.) – Team Canada wrapped up play at the Ottawa Invitational tournament with a 63-47 loss to the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon. The Senior Men’s National Team wrapped up the tournament at the Carleton University Ravens’ Nest in third place.

Patrick Anderson and Bo Hedges each had 10 points for Team Canada, while Nik Goncin and Lee Melymick each contributed nine points in the loss.

“On the whole, our effort was there, and our fight was there, but our execution wasn’t where it needs to be in a couple of weeks in Dubai,” said Anderson. “I think overall, a step forward, but we need to go home and work on some things and then hit the ground running once we get to Italy for staging.”

Gijs Even led the way for the Netherlands with a game-high 18 points. Mendel Op Den Orth chipped in 14 points and 14 rebounds.

In the battle for the top spot in Ottawa, the Americans defeated the Netherlands 59-46 on Sunday morning. Jorge Salazar led the way with a team-high 14 points and seven rebounds in the win. Brian Bell added 11 points and four assists.

Op Den Orth paced the Dutch with 14 points and eight rebounds.

About the Ottawa Invitational
The Ottawa Invitational tournament, presented by Meridian Credit Union, runs May 17-21, 2023, at the Carleton University Ravens’ Nest. The five-day tournament will feature the top wheelchair basketball athletes from Canada, the Netherlands and the United States as they prepare for the upcoming IWBF World Championships. The event is supported, in part, by The Government of Canada and Ottawa Tourism. Please visit Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s Ottawa Invitational event page for further information, including the complete schedule.