London Greek Radio

GREECE edged out Great Britain in tight EuroBasket warm-up…

Our own UK Greeks/Cypriots fan-base whipping up an electrifying atmosphere…

In front of nearly 5,000 fans representing both teams, Greece pulled out a nail biter of a win with Britain showing a worldwide audience just what they can do, in an 84-88 defeat.

GB trailed 84-83 with 24 seconds remaining and stole the ball, but missed a shot and a free throw, with Greece’s four free throws sealing the game.

Dan Clark had 23 points to lead GB’s scoring, with Gabe Olaseni and Luke Nelson adding 20 and 13 points respectively.

The defeat is GB’s fifth in their warm-up games for next month’s EuroBasket finals.

On a four-game losing streak after a 72-68 behind-closed-doors loss on Friday to their visitors, GB looked eager to make a mark early but had to come from behind to share the first quarter 22-22.

Greece were missing four regulars, including NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and two other starters, but their wealth of talent – almost the entire squad plays in the continent’s top league, the Euroleague – meant they were still tough opponents for head coach Joe Prunty’s team.

That showed in the second quarter as centre George Papagiannis, fed by classy point guard Kostas Sloukas, ignited a 10-0 run for a 32-25 lead before Gabe Olaseni and newcomer Luke Nelson brought GB back to lead briefly, 40-39 on Nelson’s assured three-pointer.

Down by two points at the break, GB slipped further behind before a storming 14-1 run, inspired by veteran Kieron Achara, brought GB a 65-59 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The return of Sloukas and increased defensive intensity gave the visitors an 11-0 start to the final quarter.

GB set up the chance of an unlikely win with a run of five unanswered point in the last two minutes, but Nelson’s drive and shot missed, and when Andrew Lawrence missed a free throw with six seconds remaining, Greece escaped to another win over their hosts.

Article written by London Greek Radio