GB Senior Women Drop to 0-3 with Serbia Loss

Great Britain slipped to a third successive loss at EuroBasket Women Final Round after they went down 76-54 against one of the tournament frontrunners, Serbia.

While head coach Peter Buckle and his team beat their opponents during preparation, it was a very different story in Szombathely, with GB hopes of making it to the second phase of the competition now left dangling by a thread.

Although Great Britain could still qualify if results go their way and they can dig out a convincing last day success against Croatia.

Serbia had initially left Great Britain stalling on the start line after rocketing their way into a commanding 15-2 lead during a whirlwind opening as they posted the first nine points of the contest.

Yet despite being on the ropes, GB recovered impressively and gradually gained a foothold in the game through some excellent outside shooting.

Both Stef Collins and Rachael Vanderwal found their range from behind the three-point line and approaching half-time, had helped cut the deficit to just 31-26 after sinking five shots from downtown between them.

However Serbia then registered a red-hot 16-2 burst either side of the break to regain full control and heading into the last quarter, GB trailed 64-38.

There were some bright spots such as Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott registering a basket, but Serbia eventually ran out worthy winners to underline pre-tournament predictions that they could well end up on the podium.

An emotional Stef Collins was left talking after the game about the players really having to find one big performance in what will potentially be their last chance to shine.

“That was really tough to take,” said the veteran guard.

“We did so well to recover after an awful start and I thought that just before half-time, we were actually playing with some rhythm and shooting the ball reasonably well.

“But we have to find some consistency in what we do and must put in a display against Croatia that is for the full forty minutes.

“We can’t have lapses and must really step it up as we have done in the past.

“The one big positive was that our younger players made some contributions against one of the best teams around.”

She also had words for Chantelle Handy who joined her in the century club by winning her 100th cap.

“It is such a wonderful achievement and says a lot about Chan,” stated Collins.

“She is such a valuable team member and brings both energy and a real spirit in addition to her talent.

“Chan deserves it and she has got there despite having not played last summer and it is great to have her back.”

You can view the full box score statistics here.

Great Britain play their final game in Group C at 15.30 (UK time) on Monday against Croatia and could yet qualify for the next stage with a victory.