LONDON (Paralympics) – In a tournament where anything can happen, there are still going to be favorites and two of the tipped contenders for the women’s podium here – Canada and Australia – met in pool play with the North American side coming out on top 57-50. Down by one with 1:29 to play, the final margin came with the Gliders taking chances that left open shots or created free-throws.
Canada’s Janet McLachlan was the player of the game, dominating with her size and all-around skill. She won the tip and then just about everything else; her stats were a gaudy 28 points on 10 of 17 shooting from the field and 8 of 10 from the line, 21 rebounds, 2 blocked shots and a steal. During timeouts – she played all 40 minutes - she served chips and cider to the crowd and provided a bit of TV commentary.
McLachlan didn’t do it all by herself. Cindy Ouellet tossed in 10 points with 9 assists while Katie Harnock added 14 points and 6 rebounds.
For all their work though, they could not separate themselves from the land down under. Perhaps that’s because without McLachlan and Harnock, Canada’s other shooters were a combined 7 of 31. Ahead by eight after one quarter, the lead was just one at the half. Canada pushed to a seven point lead early in the fourth only to see it cut to one twice. Australia just couldn’t get the lead though.
Amber Merritt, a Portsmouth, England native whose family moved to Australia when she was 10, led her team with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Cobi Crispin had 12 points and 15 boards.
Both these teams will move on. If they meet again, it will probably be for a medal; color to be determined.
Here is what happened in Saturday's other games.
