First win in Opening Game for GB Juniors
The GB Junior team battled to a hard fought win against Turkey in its opening game in the European Junior Championships in Milan, Italy.
With no previous information on Turkey, a physical and high tempo game was expected and GB knew that they would have to play with high intensity from the start.
The two teams went basket for basket in the early exchanges with Turkey pressing GB. Some inconsistent refereeing resulted in GB getting into foul trouble early on with both Lee Manning and Jack Gibbs having to be subbed out for Helen Freeman and Nat Craig. The game remained even through the first quarter with GB edging the score 18 – 17.
GB intensified its defence in the second quarter keeping Turkey to only 9 points but scoring only 12. A series of missed lay-ups, turnovers (16 for the half) and fouls restricted the flow of the game. The changes made from the bench did not affect GB’s intensity too much with Harry Brown and Terry Yates making valuable contributions.
The first half ended with GB in front 30 – 26.
The second half started with GB in the press, in particular against Turkey’s number 5, Yamac who was had shot 6 from 10 from the floor and 4 from 9 freethrows in the first half. This had the required effect as he added only 4 points to his score in the third quarter but number 9 Cetingoz kept the scoring going with 4 from 8 for the quarter. GBs went back to their high line defence allowing Turkey only outside shots under pressure and extended its lead to 12 points finishing the quarter 22 – 14 , taking a 52 – 40 lead into the fourth.
The last quarter was a repeat of the first with both teams trading baskets, Great Britain went back to its starting 5 for the first few minutes. However, three missed lay-ups in a row and two turnovers against the press allowed Turkey to close the margin to 6 points in the final quarter with 5 minutes still to play. Some steadying play and good finishing by Lee Manning, Terry Yates and Kyle Marsh enabled GB to finish the quarter 18 – 17 and win the game 70 – 57.
Outstanding performances from Terry Yates with 24 points and 9 rebounds, Harry Brown with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists were key to Great Britain’s performance. Other notable performances were from Kyle Marsh 13 points and 8 rebounds, Lee Manning 12 points and 15 rebounds.
Great Britain will now take on Belgium today (Sunday 25th July).
