Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Wins Gold to Wrap up Tokyo Games

The men’s wheelchair basketball team showed incredible resilience as they fought late into the fourth quarter to defeat host country Japan, 64-60, and win the gold medal on Sunday afternoon at Ariake Arena. 

Steve Serio shined in the contest, nearing a double-double performance with 28 points, nine assists and added four rebounds as he competes

in his fourth Paralympic Games. Jacob Williams added 13 points in the victory along with seven rebounds while competing in his second Games.

The USA trailed, 56-51, with 5:59 remaining in the game when they went on an 8-0 run including two baskets from Williams to gain a three-point advantage. Brian Bell knocked down a shot from outside the paint to extend their lead 61-58 with only 49 seconds on the clock and the U.S. was able to maintain that momentum to close out the game. 

Team USA won back-to-back championships after taking gold in Rio 2016 and won their 10th overall Paralympic medal in program history. The team collected their fourth all-time gold made while making their sixth gold medal game appearance since the sport was included in the Paralympics in 1968. The medal marks Team USA’s last Paralympic medal of the Tokyo Games.