U16 WOMEN: GB 69-46 UKRAINE

After a tough loss against Slovenia yesterday, GB bounced back against Ukraine in some style to win 69-46. Fatmata Janneh, Abbey Whitehouse and Paige Martin all made it into double digits as Coach Liburd’s side secured the win following a dominant 3rd quarter showing.

Ukraine opened the scoring with the first possession of the game but Britain quickly replied with a great score following an offensive rebound. Ukraine then moved ahead, but that simply sparked GB into life as the quarter came to a close with Britain leading 18-14.

The second quarter started with Ukraine converting one of two from the line, which was followed up by back to back threes which saw the Eastern Europeans take a 21-18 lead. The early scoring would start what would be a solid quarter for the Ukrainians, threatening to take the game away from GB. Abbey Whitehouse opened her side’s account in the second but Ukraine managed to force a few British turnovers, capitalising on them to end the half up 30-34..

Coach Liburd said the right things at half time and Great Britain came out and played top class defence as they locked down their opponents, keeping them to just 2 points in the entire of the 3rd. Strong defence then fed into solid offence as GB scored 22 points of their own to break the game open and push the score to 52-36 going into the last..

GB keep their foot on the gas in the 4th as they opened the scoring and continue to increase their lead. That also led to turnover points, highlighted by a steal and fast break score by Fatmata Janneh. Great Britain would comfortably play out the remainder of the quarter on a day when they held Ukraine to just 27% shooting from the floor.

GB Statistical leaders: 
Points: Fatmata Janneh – 13
Rebounds: Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu – 15
Assists: Abbey Whitehouse – 6
Steals: Paige Martin – 3

Victory for GB means they will wrap up their European campaign with a battle against Serbia or Bulgaria for 5th and 6th place. That game will tip at 2:00pm UK time as GB look to end their tournament on a high.