Great Britain vs Germany

FIBA Eurobasket qualifier

24.02.2020

The first time Team GB have played in the Eagles Community Arena in Newcastle had the basketball fans of the north east very excited. This was the first time we’ve visited the new arena since Newcastle eagles played in Northumbria university and the new facility didn’t fail to impress. It is a great purpose built facility showing what basketball can achieve in the UK. Definitely heading to some Eagles games again after the experience.

Team GB coming off the back of a defeat to Montenegro up against Germany who had just beat the group favourites France had it looking like Germany was the favourite. Playing in front of an almost sold out crowd had Team GB ready to go! Although Germany moved the ball better for most of the game GB kept battling and where keeping it level throughout.

Luke Nelson being the stand out for GB putting up consistent baskets scoring 26 of the teams 81 points. Other notable performances where Ovie Soko out rebounding everyone else on both teams and Myles Hesson who led the way in Assists and Steals.

With 2 minutes left in the 4th the game was still close Germany only 3 points behind, Benjamin Mockford hit a tough 3 pointer to go 6 up that was the point in the game when the full crowd got behind the team and you felt like they where going to clinch the W. Followed up by Luke Nelson hitting another 3 the game was pretty much over with a combination of strong defence and big shots GB came out on top.

The final score was 81-73 in Great Britain’s favour. Sitting 3rd in the group we have to wait until the 26th of November for the next game against France but I’m sure if they play with the same intensity it will be a good game again.