Canada's Nikola Goncin (4) looks to make a pass in front of Germany's Matthias Guntner (6) and Tobias Hell (8) during first half of IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships men's group stage action, in Ottawa, on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

By The Canadian Press

Poland downs host Canada 79-65 in men’s wheelchair basketball knockout game

Sep 14, 2026 | 2:36 PM

OTTAWA — The Canadian men were eliminated from medal contention at the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships with a 79-65 loss to Poland in round-of-16 action Monday.

The teams were tied at the half, but Poland took control by outscoring the hosts 25-14 in the third quarter.

Nikola Goncin led Canada with 22 points, while captain Colin Higgins had 17 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Garrett Ostepchuk chipped in with nine points, three rebounds and three assists.

Mateusz Filipski had a game-high 26 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for Poland.

“Tough loss today,” captain Higgins said. “We played pretty well in the first half; we liked where we were and some of the things that we were doing, the shots we were creating. We liked some of the things we were doing in the second half, too.”

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Canada finished the game with 38 rebounds and 20 assists, but key shots were the difference.

“There are a few shots that I would definitely like to have back,” Higgins said. “But that’s basketball, and they hit a few more of those than we did today — tip of the cap to them, and tough pill to swallow.”

The Canadian women (4-0) finish their group stage with a game against Britain on Tuesday.

Competition continues through Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 14, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Poland downs host Canada 79-65 in men’s wheelchair basketball knockout game

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