U16 WOMEN: GB 61-54 IRELAND

Great Britain’s U16 women picked up their second win of the European Championship in Sofia with a brilliant 61-54 success against Ireland.

After thrashing Albania last time out, coach Kenrick Liburd’s team bagged another victory with a gritty performance.

The first quarter started tightly with both teams quiet on the offensive end with the score 5-5 halfway through the quarter. Ireland then went on a quick 5-0 run to take the first substantial lead of the game, but GB quickly hit back with two great inside buckets.

The Irish stopped the British run and clamped down on defence to score six unanswered points to finish the first period 15-9 up.

Great Britain took control in the second quarter, quickly eating away at the deficit and building a 25-21 lead of their own through a 16-6 run.

But, as the half entered the last couple of minutes, Ireland broke the run and took a narrow lead as the teams entered the break with the Irish 27-26 ahead.

Ireland started the second half strong with a 10-5 run in the first five minutes. Coach Liburd got his team fired up and Britain quickly took control with a huge 17-5 run to end the quarter 48-42 up.

They stayed in control and closed out the game as they matched every Irish basket to secure a 61-54 victory.

GB statistics leaders:

Points: Asha Andrews – 14; Rebounds: Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu; Assists: Fatmata Janneh – 2; Steals: Ella Doherty – 3.