GERMANY SNATCH WIN AS GB EDGED OUT
Great Britain suffered their first loss in their build-up to the EuroBasket Women qualifiers as Germany snatched a dramatic 56-54 win in Worcester on Sunday.
Peter Buckle’s side were pushed all the way to the wire by their guests who fought back from a ten-point deficit in the first period to close to 30-27 at half-time before keeping up their assault to the end, drawing level with 12 seconds left.
And Katherina Fikiel broke free to hit a winning lay-up at the death to end GB’s perfect record.
Britain, who were paced by a game-high 14 points from Temi Fagbenle, now travel to Moscow for two further friendlies with Russia this week.
It was less comfortable than on Saturday when Fagbenle had 17 points and eight rebounds for the hosts in  a resounding 64-42 victory over Germany.
And it was another terrific defensive display from Peter Buckle’s side, who held their visitors to just ten points in a torrid 18 minute spell to assert their dominance.
Down 15-14 at the end of the opening quarter, GB hit back to lead 29-21 at half-time and their advantage grew as Germany were held scoreless for a three-minute stretch during a coast clear in the third that capped a 34-10 run.
And Fagbenle proved supreme again with the Harvard centre heading a balanced assault that saw Rachel Vanderwal add 12 points in her 2014 bow.
Erin McGarrachan believes she can claim a place in Great Britain’s European Championship squad after doing her homework on what it takes to impress.
The 22-year-old from Cumbernauld won her third cap and made her first start with nine points in the win.
And the forward, fresh from her third year at Houston Baptist University, claims she’s made a smooth leap into the senior ranks.
“It’s gone really well,†she said. “It was hard over the first couple of days to adjust but my team-mates have helped me get settled in. It’s a big gap to step up from the Under-20s to senior level but I feel I’m getting it. There’s a lot of leaders on the team so I feel like I can follow their lead to make the transition.â€
Pic: BB/Mansoor Ahmed
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