GB U16 Men: GB 73-69 Portugal

Great Britain claimed a place in the European Championship ninth/tenth place classification game with a gritty win over Portugal.

The first quarter started with Coach Vear’s side trading baskets with the Portuguese as the lead kept changing hands. But a late push from Portugal saw them finish the quarter with a 9-4 run to end the quarter 19-14 up.

GB came out fast in the second quarter, quickly narrowing the deficit with a 5-2 burst. Portugal managed to keep a narrow lead as the half came to a close but a late three-pointer from Rory Hawkins had GB in the lead 33-29.

Both teams came out the changing rooms fired up in what proved to be a high-scoring quarter. Britain came out strong and through a Michael Belle lay-up their lead was stretched to 10 (47-37). Portugal fought back hard from the deficit with an 18-9 run to close the quarter, narrowing GB’s lead to 56-55.

The last period saw the score go back and forth as both teams battled for the lead and their place in the ninth/tenth classification game against Ukraine later today. Out of a timeout Coach Vear’s side sparked a late 6-2 push capped up by a Quinn Ellis three-pointer which iced the game and had Great Britain walk away with a 73-69 victory.

GB statistics leaders:

Points: Sultan Adewale – 22; Rebounds: Michael Belle – 12; Assists: Quinn Ellis – 4; Steals: Tyrese Lacey – 3.