Greece Give GB Second Consecutive Loss

By Sam Neter on August 18, 2013

Great Britain suffered their second consecutive heavy loss under Head Coach Joe Prunty, losing 95-62 to Greece on Sunday evening in Crete.

With injuries causing Andrew Lawrence and Alex Marcotullio to sit out, and veteran Drew Sullivan also absent to attend his camp in Loughborough, Liam Potter and Gareth Murray both received their first official appearances for GB but it made little difference to the outcome of the game.

GB trailed just six points after the first quarter, 24-18, but it was plain sailing from there for the Greeks, going into halftime up 17 and extending the lead to as many as 34 in the fourth quarter.

“They’re a tough team, one of the top teams in the world,” said Prunty after the game. “But we didn’t bring enough of the physical presence we need on both ends of the floor.

“Our inability to protect our basket and defend on the perimeter is a big staple for us and that’s something we need to concentrate on. Teams are getting open looks as well as getting the ball in the paint and we have to improve that. But everyone knows that and it’s about better communication.”

“We have to learn quick,” added Kieron Achara, who finished with a GB0high 15 points. “We’re going to get thrown into tough situations and as professionals; we have to respond to that situation. We have guys who are learning but they’ll need to do it quickly.”

Achara went 4/5 from the field and 6/6 at the line, Devon van Oostrum finished with 12 and Eric Boateng added 10 points.

GB will now head to Poland to face Sweden and Poland, beginning on Friday. Watch Greece’s highlights from the game here.

Box score.

Image Credit: GB Basketball

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