GB bounce back with victory in Iceland

Great Britain closed out the November FIBA window with a much-needed response, defeating Iceland 90-84 on the road in Laugardalshöll to move to 1-1 in Group D of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.

With Lithuania falling to Italy on the same day, all four teams in the group now sit even at 1-1.

For a GB programme still processing Thursday’s heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to Lithuania – and competing amid ongoing uncertainty following the British Basketball Federation’s liquidation – the result was a statement of resilience.

It also marked Great Britain’s first ever competitive win over Iceland, righting the memories of 2014 when back-to-back defeats derailed EuroBasket qualification hopes and ended the road toward Rio 2016.

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Marc Steutel’s side were boosted by the arrival of guard Quinn Ellis, who re-joined the squad after playing a EuroLeague fixture for Milano on Wednesday night and missing the Lithuania opener.

His presence proved significant as GB delivered one of their most balanced offensive performances of recent years.

After a tight opening half that saw the sides trade runs and enter halftime separated by only a few possessions, GB seized control in the third quarter with a dominant defensive spell.

They forced turnovers, pushed tempo and strung together decisive scoring bursts to build a 21-point lead, holding Iceland to just 12 points in the period.

The hosts, aware that point differential may matter later in the group, cut the margin down the stretch, but GB managed the closing minutes with poise.

Carl Wheatle again led the scoring with 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting, continuing the strong form he displayed in London. Myles Hesson added 17, bringing his customary blend of toughness and skill. Ellis was outstanding on his return, putting up 16 points, eight assists and four steals, controlling the game offensively and applying constant pressure defensively.

Akwasi Yeboah and Gabe Olaseni both fouled out in the fourth quarter, forcing GB to adjust on the fly, while Dan Akin and Luke Nelson provided important contributions in the final minutes.

Iceland were led by Martin Hermannsson, who scored 18 points in the first half before leaving with injury, and Tryggvi Hlinason, who finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.

After the game, Steutel underlined the significance of both the performance and the response his group showed following Thursday’s collapse.

“Really proud of the group,” he said. “Credit to Iceland on a really difficult basketball game and a never-say-die attitude. Their level of intent in the fourth quarter probably shows the level of respect we have for them.

“We know the last time we played them was in 2014 and we weren’t successful in those two games, so to be able to come here now, 11 years later with a different group – particularly after Thursday – showing the mental toughness in our group, to really string parts of the game together on the road in a difficult environment against a really skilled, fine-tuned team, that’s a really important win for us.

“…Really proud of the defensive effort in the third quarter. I wish we could have continued that for longer periods in the fourth, but to get the win on the road and play solid basketball from start to finish is really pleasing.”

Reflecting on the Lithuania heartbreak, Steutel was candid about the emotional toll of the 89-88 defeat.

“That Friday was a dark day personally,” he admitted. “We’ve got an incredible group, an incredible support staff. We managed to review it and discuss it as a team.

“It’s still probably one that’s going to stay with me a lifetime, because I felt the performance deserved the victory – more than any game I’ve been in – but we know that’s not the case.”

If Thursday was an emotional blow, Sunday was the response the national team needed. A significant win over Iceland, a strong road performance, and a reminder – amid a turbulent period for the sport – of the identity and togetherness within the group.

Great Britain exit the window at 1-1, level with Italy, Lithuania and Iceland, with the February window looming large – and the outcome of whatever happens with a potential new British Basketball Federation – as the qualification picture begins to take shape.

Box score.