Report: GB 79-82 Korea
Great Britain came desperately close to pulling off a stunning fourth-quarter fightback against Korea in Belgrade.
They went down 82-79 after a brave late rally that saw them outscore their opponents 25-12 in the final period.
It means GB have one last shot at reaching Tokyo 2020 by beating Spain in the final game of their Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Sunday (1.30 GMT).
Coach Chema Buceta’s team must also hope China, already qualified with two wins, beat Korea (1-1) in the final game.
The twin threat of Temi Fagbenle (28 points) and Jo Leedham (21 and 10 assists) kept Great Britain in the game as Korea’s deadly three-point shooting – Leeseul Kang had 6/7 for 26 points – gave them the upper hand.
But GB fought hard, and their fourth-quarter drive to battle back from a 17-point deficit put them so close to a winning shot in the dying seconds.
GB v Korea highlights below
But their fate rests on beating European champions Spain (1-1) tomorrow now.
Leedham hit the first six GB points of the game and Fagbenle looked slick inside, but Korea flagged their three-point threat early with 5/7 in the first period to take a 25-19 lead.
Kang and Hyejin Park kept it up in the second period and despite a trio of consecutive three from Karlie Samuelson, GB trailed 45-37 at the break.
Korea stretched their lead with more of the same in the third quarter before GB’s final-period surge took them to within touching distance.
Boxscore here