U18 MEN: GB 70-88 LITHUANIA

Great Britain’s Under-18 Men finished their 2019 European Championships Division A summer in 8^th place after a 70-88 loss to a free-scoring Lithuania. Tosan Evbuomwan finished his tournament on a high, top scoring for GB with 16 points, adding 10 rebounds for the double-double.

Everything Lithuania tried in the early going generally came good as they shot 55% from the floor in the 1^st quarter. Both teams took turns to enjoy mini-runs, with a 0-4 Lithuanian start being met in reply by 5 straight points by GB. A 4-12 streak by LTU ended the quarter though, bringing up a 16-26 score after the opening 10 minutes.

That momentum continued into the 2^nd as the frame began with a 2-9 run by the Lithuanians, placing them firmly in control of the contest. Baskets from Mate Okros and Evbuomwan brought GB some respite but their opponents continued to lead, up 32-43 by the half.

GB’s knew they’d need to up their tempo in the 3^rd if they were going to get back into the game, and their pressing was rewarded as they reduced their arrears to 10 points with the 4th quarter looming. Sensing the danger, Lithuania put their foot back on the accelerator and scoring the final 4 points of the 3rd to enjoy a firmer grip on the contest going into the last.

There was to be no rousing comeback from Coach Keane’s side as their opponents merely pushed on in the closing 10 minutes. Playing some excellent basketball, Lithuania’s lead finally passed 20 late on as England were left to settle for a still highly respectable 8^th place overall.

GB’s Top Performers: Tosan Evbuomwan – 16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals: Mate Okros – 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals: Ethan Price – 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals.