Defending champion Canada stayed unbeaten in the tournament after four preliminaries as they overwhelmed Japan 75-48 in the Paralympic men's wheelchair basketball Wednesday at the National Indoor Stadium.

Australia rallied in the last two minutes to beat Israel 66-59, claiming four successive wins in the tournament at the USTB Gymnasium.

Canada's offence controlled the game, as they outscored Japan 21-5 in the third quarter alone. Their defence was equally impressive, with 29 defensive rebounds and 11 steals. Guard David Durepos led the game in scoring with 22 points.

Japan made 37 percent more of their free throws than Canada did, but were far less successful in field goals and two-point shots. They scored 14 points in the paint, compared to the Canadians' 44. Forward Hiroaki Kozai was Japan's high scorer with 18 points.

Thus far in the tournament, Canada are 4-0 and Japan are 1-3.

The match Australia versus Israel was tied 59-59 with two minutes left on the clock when the Aussies embarked on a 7-0 run to finish the match with a win.

Germany handed Iran their first loss, 73-63. Ten points separated the teams at halftime as well as at the game's end, based equally on Germany's aggressive offence and Iran's shooting inaccuracy.

In the second half, Iran missed several free throws and subsequently lost their chance to continue their winning streak in the tournament.

German centre Dirk Kohler-lenz was the game's high scorer with 23 points. He also had the most rebounds of any players.

U.S. crashed China 97-38, giving the host their fourth loss. South Africa tasted their first win as they beat Sweden 64-58.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2008)