GB U16 Men: GB 84-83 Iceland

The Great Britain U16 men grabbed a narrow 84-83 win over Iceland a nail-biting first placement game.

The first quarter started tightly with the teams trading baskets neither gaining an advantage. A big block by Michael Belle saw GB push out to a 21-17 lead as they went to the second period.

The second quarter had GB build on their small advantage through 21 points from the bench and by the end of the half the score was 42-32 in favour of the Brits.

Iceland came out of the break fast with a 7-2 run. Quinn Ellis pulled up and hit a three to start a run for Coach Vear’s side which included big dunks in transition from Ceejay Hanson and Michael Belle to take the teams into the final stanza with GB 66-55 ahead.

The fourth quarter saw Britain get into foul trouble early and Iceland took advantage by getting themselves to the line and converting. The Nordic side kept up the pressure and hit a three with less than a minute to go as they took the lead.

Coach Vear called a timeout and the players executed with Simeon Perry hitting the winning lay-up just before the final buzzer sounded.

GB statistics leaders: Points: Quinn Ellis – 18; Rebounds: Quinn Ellis – 12; Assists: Quinn Ellis – 7; Steals: Michael Belle – 3; Blocks: Sultan Adewale – 2.