GB U20s Secure Division A Promotion with Victory Over Hungary

By Sam Neter on July 20, 2013

It took 8 years, but finally the Great Britain Under-20s can say they are in Division A.

It wasn’t easy, but head coach Doug Leichner’s side came away with a 70-61 victory over Hungary in the Division B European Championship semi-finals on Saturday, booking not only their place in the final, but a spot in Europe’s premier competition next summer.

The 1993 born generation, along with a selection of ’94s, did what no U20 men’s team could do before them, as they remain undefeated in 2013, storming through their preparation games and now the European Championships.

Their work however, is not done yet, a match-up in the final against either Belgium or Poland will not prove easy and the team will want to finish with the icing on the cake; a gold medal.

Devon van Oostrum scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, sinking crucial free throws for the third time in the competition, Nick Lewis, who was also clutch at the line, finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds, and Raph Thomas-Edwards added 12 of his own.

“Horrible game in every way,” said van Oostrum afterwards. “But we won, we finally got that promotion. Now we got to win that tomorrow and then go home!

“…that (winning the final) would be a perfect way to finish the story. It feels wonderful, five years I’ve been waiting for this!”

GB will have little time to savour the moment as preparation will begin for the final, which will tip off on Sunday night at 5:30 UK time.

Box score.

Image Credit: GB Basketball

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