Friday, November 24th, 2023.- Against all odds, the wheelchair basketball team of Colombia defeated Canada 64-53, and on Saturday, November 25th (local time at 5:00 p.m.), they will compete for the gold medal at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. 

The game was highly contested. Canada won the first quarter 17-14, but the South Americans dominated the second quarter 20-7, repeated the achievement in the third (18-12), and in the last quarter, even though the North Americans won (17-12), the point difference had already secured the victory for the Colombians. 

"Canada is a very strong opponent; they play basketball very well. But we concentrated from minute one, and fortunately, we achieved this important victory. We had the reference of Patrick Anderson; we know he is one of the best players in the world, but we marked him very well. Although he scored some three-pointers, it was not decisive in the game, and we were able to win," commented Colombian Rodrigo Pérez, who contributed seven points for the winners. 

Despite the strong defense from Colombia, Patrick Anderson contributed 22 points and four assists for Canada and once again was the standout player of the game. The North Americans will play for the gold medal on Saturday, November 25th. 




Written by Marcelo López-Patricio Hernández; translated by Pía Barriga Ferry / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport 
Photo by Sebastián Nanco / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport