GB DROP TO LITHUANIA AS CUTS LOOM
- Updated: June 30, 2012
Great Britain men’s team ended their Houston training camp with a 90-80 defeat to Lithuania in Houston on Friday night as the final cuts loom large.
It was another spirited beginning from GB, playing in their 200th international game but they fell to 0-5 this summer, thanks to a 31-19 third quarter run and deadly three-point shooting from the Baltic nation which changed the tone of the game.
Kyle Johnson led Great Britain with 18 points and six rebounds, supported by 16 points from Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who saw extended playing time in this contest.
Joel Freeland scored 14 points and Sheffield Sharks guard Nate Reinking added 12.
In the end, Chris Finch, coaching his 75th game for Great Britain was happy with how training camp went and that the players played against good and recognised basketball nations.
“Again, we had a really good start. We played very well in the first half and the let down in the 3rd quarter really cost us,†Finch admitted. “Lithuania shot the ball well from the 3 and that, in many ways, was the difference in the game. 11 of 16 from 3 point range is tough to beat.
“Training camp in Houston has provided us with outstanding competition and an excellent start to our Olympic preparations.â€
GB started the stronger of the two teams and after a fast-paced first quarter, they led 24-17.
Lithuania came back in the second period, but Great Britain still held their own against the world number five side and led 44-37 at half-time.
The third quarter saw Lithuania take control and going into the fourth period, they led 68-63.
Despite a brave final quarter from coach Finch’s men, it wasn’t enough as Lithuania held on for the win.
Real Madrid’s Martynas Pocius led Lithuania with 18 points with Sarunas Jasikevicius hitting 16 off the bench.
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