BT PWC 2012: Difficult day for British Wheelchair Basketball teams

By Paul Eddison in Manchester, Sportsbeat

GREAT Britain's wheelchair basketball men have no choice but to beat Japan tomorrow after being taught a lesson by the USA at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

STAYING POSITIVE: GB coach Murray Treseder was not too disheartened after defeat to the USA

The Brits are the reigning European champions but were second best against the States as they were beaten 70-40.

Having beaten Germany in their opening game, the Brits now know that they will have to beat Japan in tomorrow's final group game to set up a rematch with the Americans in Saturday's final.

But despite the defeat coach Murray Treseder insists there are positives to be taken from the defeat.

He said: "We're concentrating on performances at the moment, so the result, while we would have obviously liked to win, isn't the be-all-and-end-all.

"It was a bit of a reality check for our boys out there today, but it's clear that come London, the winner will have to have beaten either Australia, USA or both.

"There are things to work on, like our shooting, but it's encouraging that we were in the positions to shoot quite a lot."

While Britain's hopes of reaching the gold medal final are still very much alive, their female counterparts will be fighting for bronze on Saturday after a second defeat in as many days.

Champions a year ago, the British ladies have found life tough against the top sides in the world this time around, following up yesterday's 49-36 loss to the USA with a 43-25 reverse against Australia.

But despite the loss Clare Strange maintains that it is only from taking on the best in the world that Britain will be in position to challenge for a medal in London.

She added: "We showed at times what we are really capable of. This is such a good tournament for us ahead of playing in London against the best teams in the world."

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