GB U20 Women book place in semi-final.

GB U20 Women booked their place in the FIBA U20 Europe semi-final as they beat Israel 67-47 in Kosovo earlier today.

The game started with GB taking an early lead through Holly Winterburn (20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists), who scored eight straight points for GB. However, Israel kept pace with the team and a they gained the lead with a three-pointer halfway through the first.

GB then took control of the game, and from this point they only conceded three points as they opened up an eight-point advantage. An and-one from Sian Phillips rounded off the first as GB took an early lead. 20-12.

Both teams started slowly in the second period, and with five minutes on the clock only three points had been scored, falling in Israel’s favour (20-15). After a few more quiet minutes, GB found their rhythm and went on an 11-3 run to extend their lead further. The half was capped off by a buzzer-beating 3 from Shauna Harrison (13 points, 6 assists), meaning Jeff Jones’ side entered the break with a clear advantage. 31-18.

Coming out of the break Israel stepped up a gear as they had their highest scoring quarter with 17 points. GB’s offense stayed consistent throughout as they scored 18 points themselves, adding a point to their advantage and placing one foot in the semi-final. 49-35.

Coach Jones’ side showed no signs of slowing as they kept up the pressure on Israel in the final quarter. Winterburn, Ebony Horton (16 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists) and Loren Christie (11 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) all continued to add to their respective tallies as they closed out the game calmly, winning the last ten minutes by six. 67-47.

Having finished second in the group following Ireland’s win over Croatia, the team will now face Finland – who top of Group F with three wins from three – at 3:30pm on Saturday.