GB Under-16's Beat France U15 for Opening Prep Win - Hoopsfix.com

GB Under-16’s Beat France U15 for Opening Prep Win

Great Britain Under-16’s made a winning start to the programme with a 61-64 overtime success against France’s Under-15 side on Friday.

James Vear’s side have stepped up their preparations ahead of next month’s European Championships with a 3-game series in France.

Tomiwa Sulaiman top scored with 12 points in the win with Louis Norton-Cuffy also in double figures with 11, while captain Theo Hughes added nine points and 13 rebounds.

“It was a proud day for our players and staff representing the GB Under-16 team for the first time,” commented Vear.

“I think we were quite nervous for large portions of the game, players were eager to impress and were over thinking a lot of the time.

“Defensively, we were very good and that is something we want this team to known for.

“We have a lot to work on but there are lots of positives we can take into the second game.”

Both sides were slow to find their rhythm in the opening stages as the first quarter ended tied at 8-8. GB scored six straight points to start the second, but found themselves trailing 23-22 at the half-time break.

Norton-Cuffy hit five points in a row early in the third as GB moved ahead and held their opponents to single figures in the period to lead 39-41.

GB stretched their advantage out to nine points at 45-54, but a 13-4 close from the hosts forced overtime.

Eric Donaldson and Sulaiman stepped up with crucial plays in the extra period and GB held on for a narrow three-point victory.

Box score.

GB U16s play two more games in the series on Saturday and Sunday with both tipping off at 5pm UK time.

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