GB dominate in final game of the FIBA EuroBasket 2027 Qualifying window

GB delivered a resounding 91-48 bounce back win over Norway to finish the November window with a 2-1 record. After faltering on the road to Austria, their response in Norway on Tuesday was emphatic.

From the outset, GB established complete control. Their energy and shot making immediately caused problems for the hosts. Unlike earlier games where slow starts left them chasing momentum, they dictated the rhythm from the very first possessions. Their three-point shooting set the tone throughout the first half as they converted a remarkable 65% from beyond the arc and repeatedly punished Norway’s defensive gaps.

Savannah Wilkinson spearheaded the charge, delivering one of the standout individual performances of the window. She converted 78% from the field, consistently finding space and lighting up the competition from the mid-range, finishing with a game high 20 points.

Defensively, GB were equally relentless. Their pressure disrupted Norway’s ball-handling and offensive structure, forcing a devastating 27 turnovers. The hosts struggled to string together meaningful possessions and often found themselves relying on rushed or contested attempts. This defensive intensity echoed the strengths that carried GB past Switzerland in the opener, but what made this performance so encouraging was how that solidity was matched with far more consistent offensive execution than they managed in Austria.

GB maintained full control even as their shooting naturally cooled and they responded with smart adjustments that kept the offense flowing. A shift toward pick-and-roll action opened space inside for Temi Fagbenle and continued to free perimeter looks for Wilkinson, with Hannah Jump also finding her scoring touch. The ability to alter their approach mid-game showcased both depth in ability and strong tactical awareness. With the result effectively secured by the fourth, GB managed the closing stages with poise, sustaining their defensive intensity and overall efficiency.

From the off, Shanice Beckford-Norton set the tone, scoring the game’s first seven points and propelling GB into a lead they would hold for the remainder of the night. Wilkinson was quick to join the party, making her presence felt at both ends by combining a block with her trademark mid-range accuracy and a series of composed shots that further unsettled Norway.

As the second quarter began, GB tightened the screws defensively and came up with steals on Norway’s first two possessions as they continued the offensive rhythm they’d established in the opening period. What had begun with high quality shot-making evolved into a complete two-way display and Norway began to wear down under the constant pressure. Their fatigue showed in mounting foul trouble, which GB exploited by shooting an outstanding 21/23 from the free throw line to further extend the margin.

Jump took charge early in the second half, carrying much of the offensive load as GB continued to vary their scoring threats. Norway remained spirited but they were consistently outmatched, with players like Nina Rickards adding to the host’s growing deficit with her crafty finish at the rim serving as one of several moments illustrating the gap between the sides.

By the start of the fourth quarter, the result was beyond doubt, yet GB maintained their focus and finished the game with authority. Every player on the roster found the scoresheet, underscoring the depth and balance within the group. The display capped off an encouraging end to the qualifying window, leaving the squad with confidence and momentum as they look ahead to the next round of games in 2026.

Reporting by Will Pickup