The Standard Life Great Britain under-20 men finished their European Division B Championship in Sofia with an 83-53 loss to Poland on Sunday.
With nothing but pride at stake for both teams, Poland were the better team despite flashes of promise from the brave GB under-20 side.
Ali Fraser led Great Britain with 14 points, as he ended the tournament averaging 19.7 points a game, supported by Devon van Oostrum's 13 points and six rebounds.
It was the Falkirk-born Fraser who got the first points on the board for GB, and he scored again before Poland stormed to an early 12-0 run to lead 15-4 just over half-way through the first.
Jesse Chuku, who hit eight points and 11 rebounds drilled a three as time expired in the first period, but GB had it all to do early, trailing Poland 23-14.
Van Oostrum, who had a quiet beginning, sparked into life in the second as his lay-up reduced the gap to 28-20, and he inspired a GB run to bring them to within four at 34-30 with 2:05 left in the half.
Poland though finished the quarter strong and maintained their advantage at half-time, leading 42-32.
Great Britain looked a tired team in the third, despite a strong team effort, Poland's lead peaked at 20 points three times in the third quarter, and GB headed to the fourth down 63-43.
GB tried to make the score respectable, but Poland were calm and collected, and picked up the win to claim fifth place, ahead of Great Britain.
Tomasz Gielo led Poland with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Devon van Oostrum was named on the All-Tournament team for the Under-20 men's European Championships 2012.
