Determined Canadian basketball men secure Paris Paralympic berth

Canada's men's wheelchair basketball team will return to France in August to continue its run of Paralympic appearances from 1968.

The Canadians scored early and often in Monday's crossover game against Italy and never surrendered the lead, prevailing 72-60 at the last-chance qualifier tournament in Antibes.

They will travel to Paris this summer in search of their first gold medal since 2012 in London after being crowned Paralympic champions in 2000 and 2004.

The Italians, who won all three of their games in group play in France, were looking to return to the Summer Games for the first time since London, where they placed 10th.

But their shooting from the field was off from the outset of Monday's contest, as Italy shot only 36 per cent while Canada converted 30 of 50 shots for its first win in four attempts at the repechage tourney in France.

Patrick Anderson, who hadn't shot well in Antibes ahead of Monday's contest, delivered when it counted most, leading all players in points (23), rebounds (12) and assists (5).

Nikoka Goncin and Vincent Dallaire, who played all 40 minutes, had 11 points apiece, while Giulio Maria Papi and Filippo Carossino each counted 16 points and five rebounds to top Italy.

The Italians, who trailed 51-33 with 3:17 left in the third quarter, cut the deficit in half and closed to within 52-43 with 32 seconds left on the clock.

But the Canadians didn't panic and widened their advantage, with Anderson making it 68-57 after a layup and free throw. He added another pair of foul shots for a 71-60 lead with 1:18 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Italy had started fast in each of its group games but it was Canada, fresh off a heartbreaking one-point loss to Iran on Sunday, that came ready to play.

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