GB U23 3X3 WOMEN IMPROVE TO 1-1 BUT JUST MISS OUT

 

Great Britain’s women narrowly missed out on the next phase on Tuesday, finishing with a 1-1 record on Stop 2 of the FIBA U23 3X3 Nations League in Szolnok, Hungary.

Certainly an improved showing after losing both games on Stop 1, with a continuous improvement factor, which refers to the team’s ability to learn from their mistakes and apply those lessons in subsequent games, paying dividends.

“The ending wasn’t what we wanted, but really happy with our progress today,” said GB women’s coach Sarah Hopkins-Chery.

“Our players locked into our focus areas of the day and competed, starting with a win against Czechia and a closer game with Hungary. We put ourselves in a position to (tie-break situation narrowly missing out on points) advance in Stop 2, which is great in such a short amount of time together. Now we rest and prepare for tomorrow, looking to again build upon today.”

Armed with motivation and wiser from Monday’s performances, Great Britain rallied from 9-2 down to beat Czechia in game one.

Katie Januszewska and Jessie Ford had five points to lead GB to a heroic 12-11 Pool A win with a 10-2 run, which spanned the final five minutes, the deciding factor.

As the ten-minute time limit wound down, Ford completed the remarkable comeback from a significant point deficit, with a one-pointer to seal the win.

Eliska Halova had seven for Czechia.

With a strong sense of determination, Great Britain, full of confidence, took the game to their more experienced counterparts in game two against hosts Hungary. They fought hard, but unfortunately, faded in the final minutes, eventually losing 18-10.

A mix of fatigue and foul trouble led Hungary to claw themselves clear of GB’s grasp, with the game still all to play for in the last three minutes.

But with Great Britain on six fouls, compared to Hungary’s one, the floodgates opened for the Hungarians, and as time expired, they had a big enough gap for the victory.

Ella Doherty and Ford both had three points to lead GB. Salamon Zsofia led all scorers with eight for the hosts.

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