The Standard Life Great Britain under-20 men lost 67-64 to Finland in the first game of their second round clash in the European Division B Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Ali Fraser led Great Britain with 21 points and added nine rebounds to his total with Devon van Oostrum adding 20, but GB, who had their win against Croatia already carried over from their first round game were unable to take advantage.
In a close first quarter, GB led 11-9 with van Oostrum scoring seven of those points. Finland though fought back and after the first quarter edged ahead 20-18.
Fraser tied the game at 20-20 to start the second quarter but Finland came back to lead 24-21 which sparked a 12-0 GB burst, forcing the Finns into turnovers and converting them into easy points, and at half-time, the Brits led 37-33.
A lay-up from van Oostrum increased GB's lead to 41-33 and the high-scoring later gave Great Britain a 51-41 lead with three minutes remaining of the third, and they held on to lead 55-53 after three quarters, despite a late Finland run.
Despite an intense fourth period, Finland held their nerve when it mattered and once they led 57-55 with six minutes left, they never trailed again.
For box score click here.
Great Britain play the Czech Republic on Thursday afternoon.
