GB Women Lose Heartbreaker to Lithuania

GB women came agonisingly close to recording the biggest victory in their history before losing 64-63 against Lithuania in the opening game of the second phase of the EuroBasket finals in Poland on Thursday.

Tom Maher’s team led by five points going into the final three and half minutes, but failed to score again as European powerhouse Lithuania came away with the victory.

Head Coach Tom Maher looked at the positives despite his side’s loss:

“We matched up well against one of the best teams in Europe. Our shooting was good, and other than the last minute, you’d take that performance any day.

“We did well defensively and had good possession for most of the game, we just need to punish teams more when they’re struggling, because at this level you’ll get punished when you’re struggling.

“We now need to move on, and get ready to play Turkey on Saturday.”

Jo Leedham couldn’t hide her disappointment after they had gone so close to producing arguably the biggest upset of the tournament:

“Obviously we’re very disappointed at this point. We went really close.

“Against a top class team you have to stay focused. We made some great plays at times, but at the moment it’s just so disappointing.

“Everyone can take five or ten minute to think about this, and then we have to move forward. Saturday’s game is crucial, there’s not long to think about it, so we need to stay positive and bring the same game against Turkey.”

Julie Page led Maher’s team at both ends of the floor with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Jo Leedham also dished out three assists to go with her 14 points while Kim Butler marked her 50th GB cap with 11 points and five rebounds.

The GB women now meets Turkey on Saturday (14.30 BST, live on BBC website).

For full play by play, box score and statistics click here.

Image: Mansoor Ahmed Photography