Rollers crowned world champions

The Australian men’s wheelchair basketball team has won gold at the 2014 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Korea following a tough 63-57 win over the USA.

Featuring NSWIS athletes Luke Pople and Nick Taylor, and led by NSWIS Wheelchair Basketball Head Coach Ben Ettridge, the Australians defeated a resilient USA team in the final to claim the top honour and successfully defend their title from four years ago.

The Rollers made a remarkable comeback in the semi-final just to reach the gold medal match, coming from 20 points down at half-time to defeat Turkey 63-58 to set up a berth against the Americans.

The Australians then carried their excellent form into the gold medal match, with the strong performance to win gold avenging the loss the Rollers suffered at the hands of the USA earlier in the tournament.