The quarterfinals of the Women's Wheelchair Basketball competition concluded on Friday, September 12.

The United States beats China 75-31

Undefeated thus far in the tournament, the United States overwhelmed China 75-31 to win its quarterfinal on Friday.

Guard Jen Ruddell and forward Loraine Gonzales led the US offence, combining for 41 points. The United States gained 22 points from China's 24 turnovers, and scored 46 points in the paint.

China hit only 31 per cent of its field goal and two-point shot attempts, trailing at one point in the game by 46 points. Center Fu Yongqing led China in rebounds (12) and she was the only Chinese player to score more than six points. Fu shot a total of 12 points.

"We felt confident coming here, but we did a good job of preparing," said Gonzales after the match.

"They do a good job of circling back and trying to break away for the lay-ups, so we needed to stop that. We got a little relaxed, but we came back. We knew we needed to prepare for tomorrow [the semifinal against Australia], so that's what we were trying to perfect."

Japan wheels past Great Britain 45-38

Japan extended their tournament record to 5-0 as they defeated Great Britain 45-38 in a Women's Wheelchair Basketball quarterfinal game on Friday at the National Indoor Stadium.

One point separated the teams with three minutes left in the game, but Japan's late scoring surge included a three-pointer by forward Akimoto Mari and four successful free throws by forward Takubo Ikumi.

Akimoto scored a game-high 17 points and Takubo grabbed the most rebounds (12) of the game.

"The players, no matter in the match or resting, always shouted and cheered for each other," Takubo said. "The coach shouted to us 'Too bad, it's over!' or 'What are you doing?' I know why the coach said that - so we would know what we needed to do and what mistakes we needed to correct."

Great Britain missed their last five shots of the game, leaving them with a five-point deficit at the final buzzer. Sally Wager was the top British scorer with 14 points, as well as their top rebounder with 10.

Germany stifles the Netherlands 43-28

Germany proved too much for their Dutch opposition in their 43-28 defeat of the Netherlands in their Wheelchair Basketball quarterfinal game on Friday.

Center Annette Kahl led the German offence, which produced 30 points in the paint (versus the Netherlands' eight) and 10 second chance points (versus none for the Netherlands). Equally impressive on defense, the Germans had 44 rebounds, 37 of which were defensive.

The Netherlands had more steals and fewer turnovers than the Germans did, but lost their chance to catch up in the closing moments of the game.

Trailing by eight points with three minutes left, the Netherlands missed their last five shots. Germany expanded their lead by hitting their last three shots. Guard Inge Huitzing was the only Netherlands player to score in double digits.

Australia beats Canada 53-49

Australia moved into Saturday's Women's Wheelchair Basketball semifinals by defeating Canada 53-49 in a quarterfinal game on Friday.

Although Australia and Canada were comparable in their physical style of defense, Australia gained 18 points from Canada's 20 turnovers. Australian forwards Sarah Stewart and Cobi Crispin combined for 25 points.

"We did really well in defense and scored 53 points. That's why we won," said Australian coach Gerry Hewson. "We will have some training sessions tomorrow morning and a couple of stuff [things] to practice. We know we will beat them [the US team]."

The lead changed 10 times during the game, but Canada lost their potential to win by missing seven consecutive shots in the final three minutes of play.

Canada moves into a classification game for 5th-8th place on Saturday at the National Indoor Stadium.

(BOCOG September 13, 2008)