Great Britain downed by Latvia despite comeback attempt
BySportsbeat
Published 04/09/2017 at 16:27 GMT
Great Britain almost forced a remarkable turnaround victory in their latest game at FIBA EuroBasket 2017, but opponents Latvia were able to hold on to win 97-92.
Eurosport
Image credit: Eurosport
Britain started the first quarter on the defensive, with Latvia's outside shooting proving the difference as they led 25-20.
The second quarter went in much the same way, the score doubling exactly with Kyle Johnson's first three of the afternoon keeping them within five points.
Latvia found another gear in the third quarter, however, shooting 60 per cent with five turnovers adding to Britain's woes.
But, trailing 29 points with just over a minute remaining of the third quarter, Joe Prunty's men forced their way back with an 18-6 run in the fourth.
Johnson, Gabe Olaseni and Teddy Okereafor were instrumental in closing the gap, but Britain's efforts weren't quite enough in completing the comeback.
Britain will now face Serbia on Tuesday in their penultimate Group D game, before facing Russia on Thursday.
"Each game we've had something we addressed," said head coach Prunty.
"In the first game, Belgium did shoot the ball well, but they had a lot of offensive rounds and we put them on the free throw line too much. Next game against Turkey, too many turnovers.
"It was a tough third quarter. Defensively in the first half they had too many easy looks and that obviously carried over into third and they got a big lead.
"Today we didn't do a good enough job defending the three. They deserve credit for making shots but we need to do a better job."
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