27.06.2011

Russia Survive Britain Scare

Turning Point: Elena Danilochkina hit a long three-pointer from the corner as her side edged in front with 48 seconds left. Until then, this game could go either way.

Game Hero: Elena Danilochkina proved decisive with a game-high 16 points. But credit Britain for incredible defence throughout.

Stats Don't Lie: At one point in the second quarter, four of Russia's players were a combined 0-17 from the field. As a team, they were 24-74 by the finish. Still not good.

Russia booked their place in the quarter-finals of EuroBasket Women but they had to survive a major scare against Britain before claiming a 62-59 victory.

The pre-tournament favourites rebounded from 15 points down in the second quarter but it eventually took an 8-0 run in the final two minutes to ensure they will progress from Group E.

It also simplified the mathematics with the game between Belarus and Turkey now becoming a winner-takes-all tie on Monday evening.

Britain ended their first-ever EuroBasket Women appearance with another determined showing and another late disappointment.

A 13-0 run in the first quarter send them clear as Russia struggled offensively with their opponents pressure defence.

And when Jo Leedham finished off a fast break with 8:02 left in the second quarter, the newcomers led 25-10.

But Ilona Korstin began the revival by sparking a 7-0 burst and after Russia cut the gap to 27-22 at half-time, they hit another six unanswered points at the start of the third to go ahead.

Britain were not finished. Leading 46-43 as the final period began, Kim Butler - who had a team-high 15 points - hit four free throws in succession to put Britain 55-45 clear with 5:33 left.

Slowly, Russia found their form and the momentum swung. Danilochkina finished off a 7-0 run and another eight consecutive points in the closing two minutes proved decisive, despite the ejection of Korstin with 1 second remaining.
 

27.06.2011

Quotes Russia vs. Great Britain

Great Britain Player Kimberly Butler:
"It's so disappointing. We really felt we could win this after that first quarter. We'll take the positives from this and the other games here. We have to. But it was like against Lithuania. To come so close is hard."

Russia Guard Ilona Korstin:
"It was a very tough game for us. The beginning was very bad. Great Britain was very aggressive and they were showing a great level of basketball. They were very aggressive on defence. The most important thing is that we won and we found something inside ourselves to come back and we showed we are a team and re-focus when we are down."

Russia Head Coach Boris Sokolovsky:
"Great Britain is a very tough team and a very good team. I especially respect Coach Maher as he had them prepared to play a good game."

Great Britain Guard Johannah Leedham:
"At the end of the day we just lack experience but we are going to gain that from playing in these tournaments. We are disappointed with the mistakes we made but I think it is more important we stay positive and regroup to come back stronger next year."

Great Britain Head Coach Tom Maher:
"When we look at our tournament we have to be happy because two years ago, we couldn't play anybody. I don't think that was a right result and we are only three points worse than Russia - they are a lot better than that. The Russians are a great team and I have a lot of respect for their girls because they are great players. Good luck to Russia and I am sure they will go a long way."