"The win tonight was, of course, enjoyable, but more importantly at this stage I am confident that the players appreciate the work and task ahead of us" he said.

"As a coaching staff, all we asked of the players is that we make progress, and we feel they have done this across the France test series.

"The challenge of Division A is a significant one, but we have built a clarity about the style of basketball that will give us the best chance of competing. I have no doubt that all national teams will be improving their game over the next three weeks, and we plan to do exactly the same as we move to Cardiff where we host Holland in a two game series."

Britain trailed 16-12 after the first period, but a stunning second quarter saw them take control of the game, outscoring the hosts 24-10 to lead 36-26 going into the locker room.

That lead was extended by a point as they won the third period 17-16, but the home side refused to give up in the fourth quarter and levelled the score thanks to a three-pointer with 56 seconds remaining on the clock.

In a stanza that had seen Britain struggle with foul trouble, both sides came up short at the foul line in the closing stages before Bullard hit the game-winner and some tough defence saw France's last three-point attempt miss the target.

Temi Fagbenie shook off injury problems to lead GB with 13, while Bullard added 11 and Renee Busch 10. Jess Hurd and Kristy Sheils chipped in with six apiece and Erin McGarrachan finished with five points.

GB now return home and face another pair of test games when they host Netherlands at University of Glamorgan Sports Park. The action starts at 5pm on Friday June 17 and 6pm the following day.