Monday, November 20th, 2023.- In the best game of wheelchair basketball in Santiago 2023 so far, Canada defeated Argentina 56-49, securing the top spot in Group A in the male's competition at the 2023 Parapan American Games. 

The match was tightly contested from the start, with both teams gaining small advantages and quickly recovering them. They went into halftime tied at 22-22, reflecting the dedication both teams put into defense. 

The North Americans managed to pull away in the middle of the third quarter, establishing a seven-point lead at the close of that period (40-33).However, it wasn't decisive.The Argentinians continued to fight, even taking a 45-43 lead with 5’20’’ left on the clock. The runners-up in Lima 2019 regained the advantage, but the game remained close. 

The outcome was only settled with 1’47’’ remaining when a two-pointer by Colin Higgins extended the lead to six points (53-47), making it insurmountable for Argentina. 

Patrick Anderson, one of the world's best players, was the leading scorer with 19 points, while among the losing team, Adrián Pérez stood out with 13. 

With this result, Canada topped the group with six points, one more than Argentina, while Venezuela earned four points after defeating Chile 67-44, the only team without a win. 

In Group B on Monday, the United States beat Puerto Rico 81-44, and Colombia defeated Brazil 66-56. The two winners will compete for the top spot in the group on Tuesday at 18:15 local time, while earlier at 12:30, the two losing teams will strive for their first victory in the tournament. 

In the male's wheelchair basketball division, which offers a direct ticket to Paris 2024 for the champion, along with two Olympic qualifying spots for the other two medalists, all eight teams advance to the quarterfinals. 

Written by Patricio Hernández; translated by Paulette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Karin Pozo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport