The Rollers are through to the semi-finals of the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships after extending their unbeaten run with a quarter-final win over Spain.
The Rollers will be fighting for its third IWBF World Championship after previous titles in 2010 and 2014.
Australia has won all five of its games so far, starting with a dominant 54-point victory over Argentina. Young star Jaylen Brown led the way with 34 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while veteran Tom O’Neil-Thorne added 20 points, eight assists and five steals.
The Rollers continued their strong form against Türkiye, claiming a 23-point win behind another standout performance from Brown, who scored 27 points. Tristan Knowles added 21 points before Australia closed the group stage with a tough win over Great Britain. O’Neil-Thorne finished that game with 25 points and 10 assists, while Brown contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds.
In the first knockout round, Australia was drawn against Brazil and again proved too strong, advancing to the quarter finals with a 25-point victory. Bill Latham was influential, leading the team with six assists and adding 12 points.
Spain presented Australia’s toughest challenge of the tournament so far. After losing to Spain at the 2024 Paralympic Games, the Rollers responded with a hard-fought four-point victory. Brown was outstanding, scoring 41 of Australia’s 70 points and adding 10 rebounds.
Australia will now meet Germany, the bronze medallists from the 2024 Paralympic Games, in the semi-finals. The result guarantees the Rollers a place in a medal match at the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships.
The semi-final against Germany is scheduled for the 2:30am AEST on Friday 18th September.
You can watch all the action from the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships on the IWBF YouTube channel.
