GB U20s Beat Prep Tournament Hosts to Finish 2-1

Image credit: Hoopsfix

Great Britain Under-20’s rounded out their preparation tournament in Portugal with a 59-47 victory against the hosts, on Sunday.

Jules Dang Akodo was the leading scorer for the third game in a row after netting 17 points as Andreas Kapoulas’ side bounced back from an agonising defeat to Sweden earlier in the day as a result of Sheriff Drammeh’s incredible game-winner.

Josh Steel provided valuable support with 13 points, while Kyle Carey added 10 points and Deane Williams was a point shy of a double-double after pulling down 11 boards to go with nine points.

Carey opened the game with five of GB’s first seven points as they made a positive start before Portugal gained control with a 13-3 run to open up a 17-10 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The deficit peaked at eight points at the start of the second, but GB recovered and two mini-bursts of six straight points helped them firstly close the gap before taking the lead to go into half-time, 29-25 ahead.

Dang Akodo scored five points in quick succession when play resumed after the break and a 9-0 run handed GB a commanding 12-point lead at 43-31 six minutes into the third. Steel netted his second triple of the period to make it 47-33 heading into the final quarter as the visitors continued to frustrate their opponents at both ends of the floor.

Portugal opened with an 8-2 start to the fourth to close to 49-41, but GB repelled the fightback with Dang Akodo knocking down a three before Steel scored five quickfire points to move into double figures with Carey following suit to complete a 12-point success.

Box score.

Kapoulas’ side held their opponents to less than 30% shooting from the field and won the rebounding battle 45-38 as they dominated the middle period of the game to record their second win on the weekend.

GB had opened the prep tournament with an 86-63 victory against Belarus on Saturday, before going down 51-48 against Division A opposition, Sweden, earlier on Sunday.

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