Brits bounce back

GB men (The Bulldogs) started the day with a much improved performance than yesterday beating the Israeli’s by 63 -40, whilst the women’s side of the competition GB faced Israel one of the weaker sides and did a professional job beating them comfortably 56-28.

 

"We were very good defensively today which I was delighted with. We aimed to take their point guard out of the game and without him they were ineffective."Murray Treseder

Captain Simon Munn led the charge for the Bulldogs scoring 12 points in the first half. The first quarter was very tight as a packed and noisy Israeli crowd cheered on the home side and Israel took the lead for the only time in the game at 7-6, GB did not let their heads drop and assisted with the indiscipline from Israel pushed clear by 5 making it 16 – 11 at the end of the first quarter.

GB Head Coach Murray Treseder, used the rotation of his bench well, bringing on Ade Orogbemi, Dan Highcock  and Abdi Jama who all made significant contributions to the game extending GB’s lead to 13 points.

The second half saw Israel come out with renewed vigour and exchanged baskets with GB, but some accurate shooting from Ian Sagar and Highcock ensured they maintained a significant lead of 19 points. Although the Israeli crowd tried to lift their team for the fourth quarter, a great defensive display from the GB team ensured a third win in the tournament for the Bulldogs, 63-40.

GB men’s Head Coach, Murray Treseder, said “We were very good defensively today which I was delighted with. We aimed to take their point guard out of the game and without him they were ineffective.

“I thought everyone played well and was delighted with the contribution from the whole team. That win should secure us a place in the quarterfinals where the dog fight will begin.”

GB women faced an easier task of getting their Euros’ campaign back on track, facing an Israeli women’s team yet to get a win under their belt.

“We knew that it was one we would win however it wasn’t a great team performance and we need to work with some of the less experienced players to ensure we continue to develop."Garry Peel

GB Head Coach, Garry Peel, starters were Helen Freeman, Caroline Maclean, Clare Strange, Louise Sugden and Sarah McPhee, these five worked well together pushing ahead to an early 10 point lead 14 -4 then with the introduction of Amy Conroy for Freeman, GB continued with their momentum scoring another 7 points and keeping the Israeli’s to nil.

In the second quarter GB continued to dominate and introduced Natasha Davies, Laurie Williams and Maddie Thompson adding another 16 points on to the total but defensively struggled and allowed Israel to score 11.

The second half of the game GB’s less experienced players played plenty of minutes with Natasha Davies and Sarah McPhee gaining valuable court time and contributing to the GB final score of 56-2. A score which could have been much wider if GB had converted their chances shooting at only 30%.

GB Women’s Head Coach, Garry Peel, said “We knew that it was one we would win however it wasn’t a great team performance and we need to work with some of the less experienced players to ensure we continue to develop. However overall I am satisfied as won comfortably.

“Tomorrow’s game will be a different kettle of fish against France. We are going to come out hard and strong at them to prove that if they claim the last qualifying spot for London 2012 they will have a lot of work to do before next year.”