(SANTIAGO, CHILE) – Team Canada won bronze, defeating Argentina 70-62 on Saturday at the Parapan American Games in Santiago.
Patrick Anderson (Fergus, Ont.) led the way for Canada with a team-high 22 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. Colin Higgins (Rothesay, N.B.) chipped in 21 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, while Garrett Ostepchuk chipped in 14 points and three assists.
“There was a lot on the line with that game, so for us to pull out another gutsy W against Argentina, that’s really big for everybody, so that’s great to see,” said Higgins.
“Ever since I entered the program, they’ve been tough, close games against Argentina. We know what to expect a bit, but still, it’s really tough, and anytime we can beat them, it’s a great feeling.”
With the victory on Saturday afternoon, Team Canada secured a spot in the 2024 IWBF Men’s Repechage tournament in Antibes, France, April 12-15, 2024. Four qualification spots for the 2024 Paralympics will be up for grabs at the last-chance qualifier.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next year in terms of qualifying and Paris, but I definitely wasn’t ready to be done with these guys, this group and this team,” Anderson said. “It really means a lot to me to keep moving towards Paris, try to get better, and go from good to great. We’re not there yet, but I still think we can get there. I believe in these guys and this program, so we’re still alive.”
Canada held a 45-44 lead through three quarters, with Higgins pacing Canada with 15 and Vincent Dallaire (Quebec City, Que.) adding 10 points.
Anderson had 12 in the fourth quarter as Canada out-scored Argentina 25-18 to secure the victory.
Argentina led 28-27 at the break after out-scoring Canada 16-10 in the second quarter.
Team Canada was led offensively by Ostepchuk, Dallaire, Higgins and Anderson, who had six points each.
Canada went on an 8-0 run to jump ahead 10-2 and closed the period on a 5-2 surge to lead 17-12 after one quarter.
Anderson, Dallaire and Ostepchuk each had four points to lead Canada’s offence.
Complete stats from Saturday’s bronze medal game can be found here.