Paris, France (Sept. 1, 2024) - “They (Australia) always play us close, so we’re expecting a good game.”- U.S. wheelchair basketball player Jake Williams

A good game is exactly what Team USA got from Australia on Sunday. The U.S. came into its final match of group play 2-0 and the Australians were 0-2. But that wouldn’t have been evident by the box score. Australia gave Team USA all it could handle, especially in the first half, but it wasn’t enough. The U.S. rallied for a 76-69 victory to finish group play undefeated.

“We feed off each others energy,” said Fabian Romo, who finished with 11 points. “So we just keep it going.”

“So far we’re doing exactly what we want to do,” remarked Nate Hinze, four-time Paralympian. “Grow and getting through every game.”

Australia lost to the Netherlands 66-55 and Spain 68-60 previously, while the U.S. beat those two teams 60-34 and 66-56. Based on how the game started, you might’ve thought the opposite would be true. The Australians jumped out to an early 7-2 lead behind five points and an assist from Tristan Knowles. From there, it was a back-and-forth first quarter. Team USA went on a run to take a seven-point lead, but Australia punched back. The U.S. held on to a slim 22-21 lead through ten minutes.

The second quarter belonged to Williams. The third-time Paralympian went off for 14 points and three assists in the frame. In total, Williams had a direct hand in 20 of Team USA’s 23 second-quarter points, and it was needed too. Australia punched back, claiming a 37-36 lead with four minutes until the break. But the U.S. punched back with a 9-1 run to take a 45-39 lead at halftime. Williams spurred that run with four points and two assists, the only point he wasn’t responsible for was a free throw.

“Jake did a phenomenal job in the first half, doing what Jake does,” proclaimed Hinze. “Then we come in with a second and third lineup in the second half that maybe we don’t see a whole lot.”

Throughout the third quarter, Team USA built its lead but Australia remained within striking distance. Paced by all 11 of Romo’s points, the U.S. claimed a 62-47 lead midway through the period. But the Australians clawed back at the end of the period, going on a 10-4 run to get it back to within single digits. A late bucket from Brian Bell put Team USA’s edge at 68-57 with ten minutes to play.

The final frame was all about defense. It took over three minutes in the fourth quarter for the U.S. to make its first field

“Now this secures us the number one in the pool,” explained Hinze. “We’ll see who we match up with in the quarters.”

The U.S. returns to the court on Tuesday for the quarterfinal round. Its opponent and game time are still to be determined.

“We came to finish our group play strong,” remarked Romo. “But our focus is quarterfinals. Now, whoever it may be, we just have to make sure that we’re ready.”