LONDON (Great Britain) - Great Britain pulled off a real surprise as they charged back from a 17-point deficit to upset Greece 73-72 for a big victory in Group F of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.
Despite playing at the Copper Box Arena in London, the Greek fans were louder than the Great Britain supporters. But Marc Steutel's team secured the country's third win over Greece in eight matchups - the last win coming in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers.
The surprise victory came about six weeks after Greece's football team shocked England 1-0 at Wembley for their first ever win over the football powerhouse.
Turning point
Great Britain were down 39-22 with five minutes left in the first half and it was 41-25 before they unleashed a 13-0 run to make it 41-38. After Greece pulled back ahead 48-40, Great Britain went on a 21-3 run for a 10-point lead and the cushion was even 66-54. Greece came back and made it a one-point game but could not finish the comeback.
Game hero
In a game with so many outstanding performances, Gabe Olaseni shone brightest for Great Britain with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Akwasi Yeboah added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists and Quinn Ellis also had 15 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals.
Stats don't lie
Great Britain forced 17 Greece turnovers and held Vassilis Spanoulis' team to just 38 percent shooting. The hosts also did a good job getting out on the break with 17 fast break points to 12 for Greece.
Bottom line
Both teams are now 2-1 in Group F and Great Britain picked up a victory even they are pleasantly surprised to have locked up. GB still have the chance to qualify in this window if the results from today are repeated on Sunday in the group.
They said
FIBA