GB U20s Downed in Opener to Turkey

By Sam Neter on July 14, 2018

The Great Britain Under-20s were unable to get their Division A European opener off to a good start with a 62-76 loss at the hands of Turkey on Saturday afternoon.

An 8-0 start from Turkey soon ballooned to 15-4, as they never let GB get into the game, leading 45-27 at halftime.

A fightback from GB in the fourth saw them finish with a respectable scoreline, outscoring Turkey by 11 in the final period.

.@Jay_baller with the beautiful dish inside to Kayne Henry-McCalla for the dunk 🇬🇧🏀 #FIBAU20Europe pic.twitter.com/PLaZQ6dfy4

— Hoopsfix 🇬🇧🏀 (@Hoopsfix) July 14, 2018

Carl Wheatle led GB with 16 points, Nelson Boachie-Yiadom and Kayne Henry added 11 each, with the former adding 9 rebounds, whilst Jelani Watson-Gayle finished with 5 assists.

“Today’s performance against Turkey is one we must ensure we learn from and improve,” Head Coach Marc Steutel commented.

“We were all aware of the threat they presented to us and we are frustrated that we are didn’t execute in areas we wanted to.

“From day one we have been vocal on improving throughout the whole tournament and we have to do just that to be ready against Montenegro tomorrow.”

GB lost Dan Akin to injury in the first quarter, as he would not return the rest of the way. Marc Steutel’s side will now look to bounce back against Montenegro on Sunday.

Box score.

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