Canadian women advance to wheelchair hoops semifinals with rout of Japan

OTTAWA — Kady Dandeneau had 49 points and Canada advanced to the women’s semifinals of the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships with a convincing 88-68 win over Japan on Wednesday at TD Place Arena.

A day after capping group-stage play with an exciting double-overtime win against Britain, Canada steered clear of any drama in its first knockout stage game by outscoring Japan 22-14 in the final quarter.

Canada will next face the Netherlands, which defeated Spain, in Thursday’s semifinals.

“We came out really strong,” said Canada’s Cindy Ouellet. “Still have a lot to work on for tomorrow, but great team win, and we’re pretty happy we’re going to semifinals.”