Great Britain stunned Greece as they charged back from a 17-point deficit to upset Greece 73-72 for a big victory in Group F of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers at a sold out Copper Box Arena.
Great Britain were down 39-22 with five minutes left in the first half and it was 41-25 before they unleashed a 13-0 run to make it 41-38. After Greece pulled back ahead 48-40, Great Britain went on a 21-3 run for a 10-point lead and the cushion was even 66-54. Greece came back and made it a one-point game but could not finish the comeback.
Quinn Ellis shone on his way to 15 points, six rebounds, eight assists and three steals, veteran Gabe Olaseni led GB with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Akwasi Yeboah continued his strong play for GB with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
SHOWTIME #EUROBASKET X #MAKEYOURMARK pic.twitter.com/J9Dt1zUDUG
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) November 21, 2024
Marc Steutel’s team secured the country’s third win over Greece in eight matchups – the last win coming in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers.
Both teams are now 2-1 in Group F and GB still have the chance to qualify in this window if the results from today are repeated on Sunday in the group.
“I think our group really pride themselves on how we stay together in good moments and difficult moments,” Head Coach Marc Steutel said.
“We didn’t find any synergy or flow in the first half, getting down 17 points, but I thought it was huge we were able to get it back to single digits by the half.
“Then defensively to hold them to a 31 point second half, particularly that third quarter, was key for us. It was a really gritty win for us.”
GB now travel to Greece for the return leg on Sunday.
0 comments