GB Futures Suffer Third Defeat in China

Britain outscored the Lithuanians 29-20 in the final period, but had left themselves with too much to do as they slipped to a third straight loss at the World University Games in China.

Head coach, Damian Jennings was clearly frustrated after the game: "We simply left all of our efforts too late," he said.

"Lithuania shot the ball very well against what was good defence from us at times. But, we failed to capitalise on opportunities in the first and third quarters, and they were the periods that did the damage.

"The way that the players fought in the fourth quarter was closer to the level we need to produce to be able to compete at this level."

Britain trailed 23-12 at the first break, and couldn't make any inroads into that deficit in the second period as the sides shared 28 points. The Lithuanian lead grew to 59-40 at the final break before GB's comeback proved to be in vain.

Chantelle Handy marked her return to the Futures with 19 points and five rebounds to lead the scoring for the third time in the tournament, with Rose Anderson adding ten. Lauren Thomas-Johnson also returned to the side with nine points, a total matched by Tamzin Barroilhet. Mary Durojaya and Yemi Oyefuwa each added four rebounds for Jennings' side who return to action on Saturday.