Report: GB 69-79 Spain
Great Britain’s Olympic dream is over after brave battle against Spain saw them fall short.
GB fell to their third consecutive defeat at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.
After losses to China and Korea, coach Chema Buceta’s team could not quite take their final shot at qualification against the Spanish, going down 79-69.
Temi Fagbenle put in a huge effort with 21 in 37.58 minutes cementing her reputation as one of the players of the tournament.
The tireless Jo Leedham-Warner scored 15 and took 12 rebounds, while Chantelle Handy had 14, and Karlie Samuelson 13.
Spain made a composed start to take an early lead but a Leedham -Warner three and a lay-up from Handy closed the gap to 18-16 after the first period.
With Fagbelne battling inside Spain edged away again via a Maria Conde three and a Laia Palau two and despite threes from Rachael Vanderwal and Samuelson, GB went in at the half 40-30 down.
Spain pulled their lead out to 15 early in the third and while a Handy three brought it back in to 10, GB went into the fourth 60-49 down.
Spain nudged their advantage back up to 15 and again GB scrapped back with another Handy three making it 73-62. Handy’s breakaway lay-up made the deficit 10 with Samuelson cutting it to eight but GB could not close in further.
Boxscore HERE