GB U23 3X3 MEN UNDESERVEDLY FALL TO 0-2 IN NATIONS LEAGUE

Great Britain’s men were competitive, but finished with a 0-2 record on stop one of the FIBA U23 3X3 Nations League in Szolnok, Hungary, on Monday.

The record, though, certainly doesn’t reflect on the showings, as GB were within touching distance in both games, but fine margins were a killer in two close defeats.

“It was a good start for the boys, considering that this was the first time for most of them playing at this level,” said GB U23 3X3 coach Afiz Olaniyan.

“We were playing teams that play 3X3 and play around the circuit on a regular basis, but I feel that we got better with each game.”

In the second game against hosts Hungary, GB engaged in a nail-biting battle, narrowly losing 19-17 in overtime to a two-pointer from Matyas Molnar.

Before that, Blake Bowman tied the game with 24 seconds left to send it to overtime, having trailed for most of the contest.

Bowman led GB with eight points, while Izsak Tarjan paced the Hungarians with nine.

Earlier on, in their first game, Great Britain battled against an established Israel side but ultimately fell 21-16 in a physical clash.

Trailing 11-5 with less than five minutes left, GB staged a thrilling comeback. Three points from Toto Fagbenle and two from Veron Eze reduced the deficit to 11-10 with 3:08 left, igniting the excitement of the game.

However, the Israelis maintained their composure despite heavy pressure from GB. Back-to-back baskets from Shoham Gat and Omer Sadeh made it 15-12 with 42 seconds left, which sealed the win.

Eze led a balanced scoring effort for Great Britain with four points, with Fagbenle and Blake Bowman supporting with three each.

Gur Lavy had seven points to lead Israel.

“Losing to the top seed in our first game, but only by four, then in our second game only by two, we did adapt to all the mistakes we had made rather than them and made it a closer game, and it went to OT,” said Olaniyan.

“Unfortunately, they scored the two off the check, and we lost. I think we are close, which is good. The guys have taken accountability and are seeing the differences that we need to make.”

To follow Great Britain Basketball, then please follow us on our social media channels including Facebook, X and Instagram.