GB Women Make it Three in a Row - Hoopsfix.com

GB Women Make it Three in a Row

GB Standard Life Women v Slovak Republic - 14th August 2010

GB Women's Head Coach Tom Maher

There were jubilant scenes from the Great Britain Women’s team as they avenged their home loss to the Slovak Republic, with a 70-63 come back win in Kosice last night. The win moves GB to 3-1 in their qualifying group.

Despite a good team defence and great shooting from Jo Leedham at the start of the game, GB suffered a 10-2 run to finish the quarter, going down 26-16.

Slovakia maintained their lead in the second until a big push from GB, including five points from Julie Page and a Jo Leedham three saw Great Britain make it a one point game at the half 38-37 to the Slovak Republic.

Page started the second half where she had left off hitting a mid range shot then drawing attention in the post to leave Jo Leedham open on the three point line, putting GB up four early in the third quarter. Great Britain continued to be aggressive throughout the quarter and went into the final break up three points, 50-53.

Slovakia’s guard Ivana Jalcova, who had caused issues throughout the game, kept at it in the fourth, creating space for her team mates with her dribble penetration. Down the stretch Stef Collins stuck with Jalcova limiting her dribble well. As a result, the Slovak Republic struggled to get into an offensive rhythm in the final five minutes. Great Britain moved the ball and ran the clock well getting good shots and taking the game 70-63.

After the game GB Standard Life women’s coach Tom Maher said:

“We started the game with a shoot-out, and Slovakia won that comfortably, going in ahead by ten at quarter-time.”

“For them to score 26 in the first quarter, and only 25 in the second half is a telling stat.”
“Jo Leedham was sensational but it really was a team effort. We’re pretty sure this is Britain’s first win over Slovakia, so we are all pretty proud.”

Jo Leedham finished with a massive 26 points to lead all scores, adding four rebounds, a steal and an assist to her stats also. Page led the way on the boards totalling seven to go with as many points while Natalie Stafford added 10 points for GB. Full stats from the game are available here.

The Women return home to play Germany on Thursday at the Echo Arena, Liverpool.

Image Credit:  Dan Wooller/wooller.com

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