GB U20 Women Start Euros with Victory Over Ireland

GB Under-20’s began their Division B campaign at the European Championships with a 69-46 victory over Ireland on Saturday in Eilat, Israel.

Chema Buceta’s side had been given a stern test in preparation for the event and were pushed all the way by their rivals in the tournament opener.

Millie Stevens top scored with a game-high 18 points and added seven rebounds, while Abigail Johnson was the only other player in double figures with 14 points.

Imani Whittington and Stevens set the tone with early triples as GB opened up a 12-3 lead at the midpoint. The gap increased to 12 points at 19-7 by the end of the first, but the second was far from the same.

Ireland rallied with a dominant period as they turned things around, closing the half with a 7-0 run to lead 25-28 at the break.

GB re-grouped in the third to move back ahead as Molly Taylor and Georgia Gayle netting back-to-back scores from downtown before Stevens surged into double figures with an and-1.

Trailing 42-39, Ireland levelled with the opening score of the fourth, but GB hit straight back with a pivotal 10-0 run to take control.

Stevens led the charge as GB began to assert their dominance at both ends with Jess Davies scoring the final six points to complete a convincing win in Group B.

Box score.

Note: GB U20’s starters were Taylor, Davies, Norton, Whittington & Stevens

GB U20s return to action tomorrow as they face Romania in their second game at 4:15pm UK time.

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