(Toronto, Ont.) The USA and Turkey ended the Toronto Challenge with wins against Great Britain and Canada in the final games of men’s wheelchair basketball on Tuesdays at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
Playing for bronze, Turkey faced Canada in the opening game of the night. Turkey managed to build up a 16 point lead by half time and although the Canadians picked up the pace in the final two quarters they were unable to catch Turkey, admitting a 75-68 defeat. Ozgul Gurbulak of Turkey led all players with 27 points, while Nik Goncin paced the Canadian offence with 19 points.
The United States remained undefeated to take gold against Great Britain in the final match of the tournament. The Americans claimed the win 59-48 against the Brits. Josh Turek secured 11 points for the USA while Gaz Chiudry matched him with 11 points for Great Britain.
The Toronto Challenge marks the first major test for the Canadian men after being nominated to represent the maple leaf at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where Canada aims to defend its first place finish from the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Toronto Challenge – Schedule and Results
About Team Canada
The Senior Men’s National Team went undefeated at the London 2012 Paralympics to capture their third gold medal in four Paralympic Games. It is the latest accomplishment in a sport dynasty that has placed them on the podium at four consecutive Paralympics and at five of the last six world championships.
About Wheelchair Basketball Canada
Wheelchair Basketball Canada is the national sports governing body responsible for the organization of the sport in Canada. It is a non-profit, charitable organization that is committed to excellence in the development, support and promotion of wheelchair basketball programs and services for all Canadians from grassroots to high performance. Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, competitive sport in which Canada is held in high esteem around the world for winning a combined six gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in the last six Paralympic Games.