The Australian Men’s wheelchair basketball team progressed to the Gold Medal match at the 2007 VISA Paralympic World Cup in Manchester overnight with an undefeated record after downing the Netherlands in the Semi Final, 72-57.

Australia produced a sublime second half display to secure their spot in tonight’s final against World and Paralympic champions Canada, who they beat 65-54 in the preliminary round on Tuesday.

Australia trailed by a point, 37-36, at halftime as the winless Netherlands chased a surprise win, but the Rollers moved up a gear in the second half to win the third quarter 19-10 and the fourth 17-10.

Western Australian Shaun Groenewegen led the way with a game high 30 points to go with 8 rebounds and 4 assists while powerful captain Brad Ness tallied a 19 point, 12 rebound, 6 assist and 2 steal double-double in support.

Frank de Goede top scored for the Netherlands with 14 points.

The Rollers shot a highly efficient 57% from the field for the match, including 9-of-16 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Canada defeated host nation Great Britain 53-41 in the other semi final to progress to the Gold Medal game.

The final will commence at 11:45pm AEST tonight, immediately after the Bronze Medal playoff between the Netherlands and Great Britain.

Australia 72 - S Groenewegen 30, B Ness 19, S Norris 10, A King 10
Netherlands 57 - F de Goede 14, R Poggenwisch 13, M Oosterbosch 12