Canada wins silver after 77-76 thriller against US at wheelchair basketball world championship

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 20, 2026

Photo courtesy: IWBF

OTTAWA, Canada — Canada captured the silver medal at the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships after falling just one point short against the United States, 77-76, in a tightly contested women’s gold medal game in Ottawa.

The host Canadians mounted a late comeback at TD Place on Saturday, September 19, erasing a seven-point U.S. lead in the closing minutes and tying the game at 76 with 39.1 seconds remaining.

Courtney Ryan then converted a free throw with 20.8 seconds left to give the United States the decisive one-point advantage. Canada had another opportunity in the final seconds but was unable to score before time expired.

Kady Dandeneau led Canada with a game-high 34 points and 13 rebounds, while Arinn Young added 30 points and 10 rebounds.

Lindsey Zurbrugg paced the United States with 26 points. Ryan and Rose Hollermann each added 17 for the Americans.

Canada came out strong and held a 27-20 advantage after the opening quarter. The Canadians carried a 41-38 lead into halftime and remained ahead 60-59 entering the fourth quarter.

The United States responded in the final period and built a 71-64 advantage with just over three minutes remaining before Canada fought back to level the score in the final minute. Ryan’s late free throw ultimately separated the teams.

The silver medal is Canada’s first podium finish at the women’s wheelchair basketball world championships since winning gold on home soil in Toronto in 2014.

Canada reached the championship game after defeating two-time defending world champion Netherlands 85-73 in the semifinals. Dandeneau scored 35 points in that victory, while Young recorded a triple-double with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists.

The United States, meanwhile, captured its first women’s wheelchair basketball world championship title since 2010.

The Netherlands defeated Great Britain 64-50 in the bronze-medal game earlier Saturday.

Canada wins silver against US at wheelchair basketball world championship | IWBF

Canada wins silver against US at wheelchair basketball world championship | IWBF

Canada wins silver against US at wheelchair basketball world championship | IWBF