BT PWC 2012: Wheelchair basketball team edged out by USA

By Nicolas Atkin, Sportsbeat, in Manchester

GREAT BRITAIN could not prevent the USA taking gold in the final of the men's wheelchair basketball at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester but showed plenty of fighting spirit as they head towards London 2012.

SILVER SHOOTERS: Great Britain had to settle for second at the BT Paralympic World Cup after defeat to the USA (PA)

Murray Treseder's men were playing catch-up from the off but headed into half-time trailing only 28-27 to give themselves hope.

But the reigning Paralympic champions took a nine-point lead going into the final quarter and held off a late charge from their opponents to seal a narrow 61-57 victory.

Simon Munn top scored for Great Britain with 16 points though Jason Nelms' tally of 17 helped the USA consign Treseder's side to second place.

Peter Finbow, who chipped in with two assists, said: "We can take a lot of positives from the final. The fact that we came from ten behind twice in 40 minutes against the USA shows that we've got that bulldog spirit.

"We never give up, people still want to fight for what they believe in and they still want to go out there and play to win.

"Finishing on a positive like that shows that we did put on a good performance for the week despite the result against the USA in the first game."

Later in the day the British ladies were also unable to end their tournament on a high with the USA securing a 51-40 victory in the bronze final at the City of Manchester Arena.

The result ensured Britain finished the week with four defeats in as many days but Helen Turner insisted it was an encouraging display.

She said: "The USA are a tough team and we've never beaten them but we played well so it's not all negative. We know what we've got to do for London now.

"I know a lot of the girls feel the pressure so this is why Manchester is so good for us. The more tournaments we have the better off we will be."

The BT Paralympic World Cup is taking place in Manchester from 22-26 May with elite international athletes competing in Athletics, Football 7-aside and Wheelchair Basketball. Go to www.btparalympicworldcup.com for tickets and more information. 

© Sportsbeat 2012