Canada Secures Victory with Stellar Performance
In an electrifying match that showcased resilience and skill, the Canadian men's wheelchair basketball team claimed a decisive 74-51 victory over Morocco at the 2026 IWBF World Championships. Both Nik Goncin and Collin Higgins emerged as standout players, each contributing an impressive 24 points to elevate their team to a solid win. The match, held on September 9, 2026, mirrored earlier successes, notably the Canadian women's team triumph over Spain earlier in the day. Initially, the Canadian men's squad showed signs of nerves, leading by only a single point at halftime. However, the tide turned in the second half, particularly during a dominant third quarter where the Canadians outscored Morocco 21-4, establishing a commanding lead of 55-37.
Reflecting on the game, Goncin, a seasoned veteran and triple Paralympian, acknowledged the early jitters among his teammates, attributing it to the presence of family and friends in the stands. He stated, "The first half went as expected. Some guys were a bit nervous, but overall, it was a great first game." As the second half unfolded, the Canadians adhered to their game plan without attempting to overexert themselves. Goncin emphasized that while their offensive play was crucial, it was the defensive efforts that truly made the difference. He explained, "We were struggling to regain possession in the first half, but in the third quarter, we forced several turnovers and expanded our lead. Our defense transformed the game for us." Additionally, Reed De’Aeth made a notable contribution to the scoreline with 12 points.
Looking ahead, the Canadian team is set to enjoy a day of rest before facing Germany on Friday at noon (ET) at TD Place. This match is expected to be highly competitive, serving as a rematch of the bronze medal game from the 2024 Paralympic Games, where Germany triumphed 75-62. Meanwhile, the Canadian women's team will resume their campaign against Australia on Thursday at 2:30 PM at Carleton University.
As reported by paralympique.ca.
