Paris 2024: Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Semi-Finalists Confirmed

An intense day of wheelchair basketball action saw the women’s quarter-finals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games determine which teams would advance to the semi-finals

China’s Masterclass Secures Semi-Final Berth

China clinched the first spot in the semi-finals with a commanding 62-50 victory over Japan. From the outset, China demonstrated their dominance, delivering a near-flawless first quarter to establish a 22-6 lead. Xuemei Zhang and Guidi Lyu led the charge, each scoring 16 points to steer their team to victory.

Japan, led by Mari Amimoto’s 15 points, tried to rally in the second quarter, but China’s well-executed rotations and defensive play maintained their advantage. Despite a spirited comeback in the final quarter the gap was too wide to bridge. China’s strong start and disciplined performance throughout ensured their progression to the semi-finals.

USA Edges Out Great Britain in a Nail-Biter

In a thrilling encounter, the USA held off a determined Great Britain team to secure a 59-52 victory and advance to the semi-finals. This win sets up a tantalizing rematch of the Tokyo 2020 semi-final against China.

The game was tightly contested from the start, with both teams struggling to establish any control. The first quarter ended in a 12-12 tie, but the USA managed to pull ahead in the second quarter, gaining a 7-point lead at halftime. Ixhelt Gonzalez led the USA’s scoring with 16 points, supported by Rose Hollermann with 15 points and Becca Murray with 12 points.

Great Britain fought back fiercely in the second half, even taking a brief 1-point lead. However, their struggles from the free-throw line proved costly, as they only converted 2 of 12 attempts. This missed opportunity allowed the USA to regain control in the final minutes, securing their place in the semi-finals.

Netherlands Stay on Track to Defend Their Title

 

The Netherlands, reigning Paralympic champions, overcame a valiant effort from Spain to continue their title defense with a 61-53 victory. The game was closely contested, with the score changing hands throughout the first half, leaving the Dutch with a slim 3-point lead at halftime.

Spain, buoyed by Vicky Perez’s sharp shooting—she scored 18 points, including 4-for-4 from beyond the arc—kept the pressure on. However, the Netherlands’ experience and depth proved decisive. Mariska Beijer was outstanding, scoring 34 points, while Bo Kramer added 21 points and 12 rebounds. In the final quarter, the Dutch pulled away with an 18-7 run, securing their place in the semi-finals with a convincing 8-point lead.

Canada Ends 20-Year Drought with Win Over Germany

 

Canada booked their spot in the semi-finals with an impressive 71-53 victory over Germany, marking the first time since 2004 that they’ve reached the medal round. It was a tightly contested match early on, with both teams keeping it close towards the end of the first quarter. However, Canada’s pressure-causing turnovers and controlling rebounds began to show by halftime, Canada had stretched their lead to 34-22.

In the second half, Canada continued to widen the gap, with impressive long-range shooting. Elodie Tessier’s conversions helped build a 13-point lead as the third quarter wound down. Despite Germany pressing hard they couldn’t close the gap enough in the final minutes.

With this win, Canada returns to the semi-finals for the first time in two decades, while Germany, a regular contender, will miss out on the medal round for the first time since 2000.

Looking Ahead:

The semi-finals are set to be fiercely competitive, with China facing off against the USA in a highly anticipated rematch, and the Netherlands continuing their quest to defend their Paralympic title. All eyes will be on these matchups as the teams vie for a place in the final and a shot at Paralympic glory.

For more updates on the wheelchair basketball competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, visit the event page or follow the action on social media using #Paris2024WBB