Paralympics·Recap

Australia edges Canada in OT in wheelchair rugby clash

A Canadian turnover in extra time was enough to keep Australia ahead to hand Canada its first loss of the Rio Games.

Canadians will play the U.S. in semifinals on Saturday

Canada loses wheelchair rugby thriller in OT

8 years ago
Duration 8:49
Watch the three minute overtime period as Australia sneaks by Canada 63-62 in preliminary round action.

A Canadian turnover in extra time was enough to keep Australia ahead to hand Canada its first loss of the Rio Games. 

Turnovers were a recurring theme throughout the 63-62 game; Australia's 29-28 lead at the half can be attributed to a plus-one turnover rating, forcing Canada to continually play from behind. However, it was Trevor Hirschfield's errant pass in extra time that sealed the win for Australia.

Zak Madell led Canada with 39 goals in the 63-62 loss while Ryley Batt scored 36 to lead his side. The game was a rematch of the gold medal game from the 2012 London Paralympics which Australia won 66-51.

While Madell once again led on the scoresheet, he continued to dole out big hits including this chase-down tackle.

Zak Madell levels his Aussie opponent

8 years ago
Duration 0:38
Madell went all out on defence to prevent the Australian score.

Earlier, the United States defeated Japan in overtime to secure top spot in Group A.

US wins wheelchair rugby match in OT with Hail Mary

8 years ago
Duration 1:46
The United States beat Japan 57-56 in OT to clinch top spot in pool B

Canada will face the U.S. in the semifinals at 3 p.m. ET, while Australia plays Japan at 11:45 a.m. ET.