GB U16 Women: GB 41-46 Portugal

The GB U16 Girls started their European Championship campaign with a narrow 46-41 loss against Portugal.

Great Britain where slow out of the gate and allowed Portugal to get out to an early 12-2 lead on the back of 15 turnovers in the quarter. Coach Kenrick Liburd managed to get his side back on track and they finished the quarter with an 8-2 run so the teams went into the second period with the score 14-10 in favour of Portugal.

The Portuguese opened the scoring in the second with 2/2 from the line but, Britain replied immediately with a driving lay-up. This pattern continued with the teams trading baskets the score 26-22 as GB looked to mount a comeback in the second half.

Coach Liburd’s side came out strong with a 4-0 run to tie the score at 26-26. Portugal then stopped the British run with a 5-0 burst of their as they regained the lead. GB scored late in the quarter winning it 12-11.

The final stanza started with the score 37-34 and GB kept battling for the comeback as they tied the score through a big three from Ella Doherty. Portugal pushed on in the last few minutes and forced Britain into turnovers as the Portuguese secured the win 46-41.

GB statistics leaders:

Points: Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu – 8; Rebounds: Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu – 17; Assists: Paige Martin – 2; Steals: Neve Marvill – 2; Blocks: Abbey Whitehouse – 3.