GB women beat Mexico to go through to Quarter Finals.
It was a must win game for Great Britain’s Women team as they took on Mexico in their final pool match at the World Championships in the NIA Birmingham.
GB came out with all guns blazing taking an early 8 – 0 lead, Mexico weren’t going to let GB have it all their own way though and came back at the home side, G B failed to capitalise on their dominance. However, 8 points in the first quarter from Helen Freeman made sure GB went into the break with a four point lead.
GB's head coach, Garry Peel then used his bench at the beginning of the second quarter, and on her first appearance in the game Caroline Maclean made her fist appearance and with it her first points of the day with an outside shot for 2 points taking GB’s score up to 16 points.
Great Britain then let Mexico back into the game and a foul from Louise Sugden gave Claudia Miranda, two free throws to tie the score, but with only one converted it took the Mexican side within one point at half time 26 – 25.
At the start of the third quarter Mexico took the lead for first time in the game as Floralia Estrada took her points tally up to 8 points. Going behind gave GB a kick start as they improved their defensive play forcing Mexico into a 24 second violation while Amy Conroy contributed some vital points in open play and from the line to put her team back in the lead. Louise Sugden and Helen Turner also took their chances giving GB a lead of 41 – 37 going into the final quarter.
The final quarter saw GB extend their lead to seven points but Mexico were still not giving up and a huge three pointer saw them bring the deficit back to four points. Each time GB seemed to pull away, Mexico rallied. Another three pointer followed but points by Helen Turner left Mexico needing five points. As Mexico pushed to claw back the gap, the clock continued to run down. GB managed to maintain a strong defensive game and hold on to win their first win of the Championships and progress through to the knockout stages.
Great Britain will now face USA in the quarterfinal stages.
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