Fraser Leads GB U20s to Victory Over Norway

By Sam Neter on July 17, 2011

Ali Fraser led the Great Britain Under-20s to their second consecutive victory as they beat Norway 78-64 on Sunday afternoon in Sarajevo, Bosnia.

Fraser was one of the most dominant forces in the Under 18 Division B European Championships last summer as he averaged 20.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game with Scotland but has struggled for minutes with the U20s this year.

Finishing with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks, Norway had no answer for Fraser who appeared unstoppable as he shot 10/14 from the floor yet still only played 22 minutes.

Head coach Tim Lewis was pleased with the result:

“It was the right result, we played well as a team, shared the ball around and everyone who played contributed well.

“Ali fulfilled the role we asked of him. He rebounded well and made the easy baskets. He’s a solid kid, he understands what we want him to do, and today he did exactly what was needed.

“Ryan (Richards) got in some early foul trouble, and then we took the chance to rest him as we have a big game against the Czechs tomorrow.”

Ryan Richards battled with foul trouble to finish with 20 points in just 16 minutes, Alex Marcotullio had 14 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, whilst Devon Van Oostrum had 5 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.

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

GB will now take on the Czech Republic tomorrow evening.

Notes

GB Starters: Devon Van Oostrum, Alex Marcotullio, John Bantock, Ali Mackay, Ryan Richards
Fraser scored 19 of his 23 points in the last 11 minutes.
Lee Reilly and Will Saunders registered DNP’s.
However unlikely, mathematically GB still have a chance to qualify for the next round, but it will depend on results from later today and them beating Czech Republic tomorrow.
Read Duco Van Oostrum’s blog about GB vs Norway.

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