GB Run Russia Close in Final Prep Game Before EuroBasket Qualifiers

Great Britain’s senior women were beaten 60-47 by Russia in their final preparation game of the summer, but they can take pride after an improved performance – and significantly tighter margin – on Wednesday’s game.

GB Head Coach Peter Buckle made one change to his starting five from yesterday, with Steph Gandy joining Stef Collins, Rachael Vanderwal, Temi Fagbenle and Azania Stewart. One positive elsewhere was the news that Lauren Thomas-Johnson was able to play for the first time in preparation, after recovering from a bruised heel.

While GB made one change, Russia rested four of yesterday’s starting five – the one exception being that of Eugenia Belyakova who would score a game-high 24 points, shooting 63% in all.

After a 75-48 win yesterday, the home team were confident of another victory and raced out to a 10-0 lead over the first five minutes until two free throws from Stewart got GB into the game. While Thomas-Johnson and Helen Naylor added points in the opening quarter, Russia were in control at 14-6 by the end of the first quarter.

But GB impressed in the second quarter and encouragingly, a number of players registered on the scoreboard. Nicole How landed a crucial three to tie the scores at 24 apiece with 2:37 remaining in the half. Two free throws from Fagbenle before the halftime buzzer left GB in front at half time, 24-26.

After the break, GB responded well to pressure from Russia who retook the lead, but Coach Buckle’s players kept themselves in contention. Naylor got them back to within a point at 32-33, midway through the third but still the Russians fought to give themselves breathing space and still GB showed impressive resilience both ends of the floor. A three from Fagbenle ensured that the game would enter the final quarter with GB trailing by two, 37-39.

The scores were still tied at 41-all with 8:46 left in the game, when Belyakova scored two big threes to put Russia clear by 6 – their biggest lead of the half. Coach Buckle would have been heartened by the way GB again refused to be cowed. Dominique Allen showed that GB grit to step up and make two from the line and follow up with a further basket to leave GB back within 4, at 47-51 with 4:48 remaining.

However, they were the last points GB scored as Russia finally pulled away with a unbroken 13-0 run, Belyakova inevitably involved with 5 points herself and an assist to Natalia Anoikin for the final points of the game. The 60-47 scoreline doesn’t reflect the commitment and determination of the GB team and they can go into their EuroBasket qualifiers in good spirits, after giving the third-best ranked team in the world a real run for their money on their home court.