GB END UP EIGHTH IN SERBIA, MEN STORM

Great Britain’s women ended the European Under 20 championships in Novi Sad in eighth place overall after a 60-48 loss to Italy.

Damian Jennings’ side paid the price for a lapse late in the first quarter as the Italians surged decisively ahead with a 12-2 run.

Down 35-22 at half-time, GB could never close within ten points and a 7-0 run from their opponents at the start of the fourth killed off the contest.

Temi Fagbenle had 10 points and 7 rebounds to lead GB with Jennings still elated at their run to the latter stages.

“I have no doubt that the individuals involved have learned masses and are excited about their individual futures,” said Jennings, who will now turn his attention to the World University Games in China.

“I would just like to say a big thank you to all the staff, they have been amazing throughout.”

Federica Tognalini had a game-high 17 points as well as 10 rebounds.

Spain overcame Russia 62-53 in the final.

Read an exclusive interview with Temi Fagbenle in the new issue of MVP Magazine – on sale now.

Norway await GB Men

Great Britain’s men defeated Norway 78-64 in a critical tie at the Euro U20 Men’s Championships in Sarajevo to keep their hopes of reaching the second phase alive.

Ali Fraser came off the bench to fire a game-high 23 points in the victory which now sets Tim Lewis’ men up to face leaders Czech Republic on Monday.

GB made a promising start after four points from Ryan Richards put them 7-2 ahead. Norway soon levelled on a Stian Berg three pointer and a second followed only for Alex Marcotullio to cancel it out with one of his own. Fredrik Bohn then netted a triple to put Norway up by four but Marcotullio was on hand to respond once more with a second score from the perimeter. Adam Thoseby came off the bench to give GB a slender 19-18 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.

Fraser sparked a 7-2 start to the second with consecutive baskets before Atle Ndiaye replied with a three pointer. Then a triple from Kamaro Jawara cut the deficit to just two points while Richards picked up a third foul and was subsequently benched. Norway’s shooting percentage was under 30% but GB weren’t making them pay and a third triple from Berg made it a one point differential. Both teams struggled in the second with the scoring split 11-11 as GB held a 30-29 cushion at half time.

While Norway were shooting at a dismal 27% with more than half of their points from beyond the arc. GB fared slightly better at 36% and will have to limit the court time of Richards to prevent him from fouling out of the game. Norway seized the initiative when play resumed with a 9-2 start capped by a three from Jawara.

Back came the Brits and a trio of triples from Richards dominated a 13-4 burst to re-establish their lead. GB were in the ascendancy and a 12-4 close to the third, pushing the lead into double figures at 57-47. Richards reached 20 points for the third straight game while Fraser finished the run with the final five points of the quarter.

Norway opened the first five points of the fourth only for Fraser to score a remarkable ten points in a row to increase the lead to 15 points at 67-52. Fraser didn’t stop there as another basket took him to 21 points before Marcotullio completed a double-double with a pair of free throws. Berg and Jarawa rallied for Norway, in search of an unlikely comeback, with the latter adding consecutive three point plays.

However, Marcotullio ended any hope of a revival with another three pointer before a late basket from Devon van Oostrum sealed a 78-64 victory for the Brits.

Richards contributed another 20 point haul while Marcotullio added a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Jawara produced a game high 25 points for Norway who now slip to a 1-3 mark. GB easily out rebounded their opponents 58-36 as well as posting a shooting percentage of 43.7.