GB Women Lose To Ukraine, Win Group D Regardless

Jo Leedham once again led GB in scoring

Great Britain Women’s team suffered their second defeat of the campaign yesterday, losing in their final group game away against the Ukraine, 70-66. The loss didn’t prevent GB finishing a top their qualifying group with a record of 4-2 along with gaining a place in EuroBasket 2011.

Following a tight first quarter, it was Stef Collins who kept Tom Maher’s side going offensively in the second period, totalling nine points in the quarter to send GB into the half with a three point lead.

A string of mistakes from GB in the third quarter led to a 12-0 run from the Ukraine, seeing them begin to take control of the game. They did however have to hold off two British rallies late in the fourth to secure the win, finishing 70-66.

Head Coach Tom Maher commented:

“It was very disappointing, we could have won the game but we made too many bad decisions. Nevertheless we shouldn’t detract from what the players have achieved this summer.”

Jo Leedham led Britain once more with 19 points, 6 steals, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, whilst Kim Butler added 11 points, 7 boards and Page was just one rebound shy of a double-double with 10 and 9. The Ukraine were headed up by Oleksandra Prystupa who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Full statistics from GB’s final game can be found here.

GB finish first in their group and qualify for next years’ EuroBasket Finals in Poland. Mission accomplished for this summer!

Random Thoughts/Notes

• Stef Collins is just proof that stats don’t show the game, she has been solid for GB at the point guard spot all summer and really contributed without having to score the basketball.

• GB’s bigs were superior in most games, really good sign going into Poland next year.
• Leedham has been ballin’
• I hope that the team stays similar for next year, on the defensive side they only really started to click in the last few games, after struggling with lapses early in the summer. It would be great to take some stability into Poland in a years time.
• Finally, congratulations GB for a great summer of basketball. Well done Ladies!