Sarah Stewart

With just on two days’ play still remaining at the 2011 Asia Oceania Championships, which doubles as the London 2012 Paralympic qualifier, victory to the Gliders yesterday in Goyang, Korea, could not have come at a better time.

The Gliders’ 59-42 win over China was extremely crucial in the context of the women’s hotly-contested four nation tournament.

It was the Gliders’ third win from four outings, after their only blemish came with a 58-56 loss to Japan on Saturday.

They have since bounced back in style, trouncing Korea 119-9 yesterday before their 17-point victory over China today, which now sets up a mouth-watering clash with Japan this afternoon to decide the finals make-up.

Victory will secure a spot in the gold medal final for the Australians, and more importantly, book a spot on the plane to London for the Paralympics beginning on August 29.

Defeat will take destiny out of their hands and instead, will see them rely on a Chinese victory over Japan in the final qualifying match on Wednesday.

Despite what is at stake, Australian Gliders head coach John Triscari said his team were handling the pressure well and improving as the tournament progresses.

“I told the girls that we weren’t playing as aggressively as we do against the European teams, and it was important that we dictated what was going in both offence and defence today,” Triscari said.

“That was a turning point. We went out very aggressively. Being able to press the Chinese defence I think was the difference in the game.

“Things are moving in the right direction. We’re nearly there, but coaches are never fully happy.

“Defensively, we are a very tough side. It’s the finishing off part and the finer parts that we need to work on offensively.”

Cobi Crispin was again the leading light for the Gliders today, compiling 17 points and 17 rebounds to firm as favourite for the tournament MVP prize. Bridie Kean (14 points) and Sarah Stewart (12 points) also impressed.

Via Basketball Australia.