Great Britain Steal Game In Slovakia

A devastating display from downtown by Johannah Leedham helped Great Britain extract some sweet revenge for their opening day loss to Slovak Republic as they made it three wins in a row after racking up a super 70-63 success in Kosice.

Leedham was in sensational form from outside and drained a total of six triples in a 26 point haul that now places Great Britain back at the forefront of the race for a place at EuroBasket Women in Poland next year.

Johannah Leedham was a leader indeed for the Brits as she buried 6/9 long range bombs to fuel her side.

Great Britain started the game by taking advantage of some lax perimeter defence by the hosts and they moved into a 13-9 lead after making three triples in the first five minutes.

However, Slovak Republic came storming back to score 12 of the next 13 points and assume control at 21-14. After the first quarter break they then increased their advantage to eleven points after an outside score by Ivana Jalcova.

With over four minutes to go until the midway point of the game, the home team were still looking comfortable at 35-27 but they then dried up and could only manage one further basket in the quarter.

Great Britain took full advantage and with Jo Leedham leading the way with 15 first half points, the visitors finished the half with a flourish to trail by just one point at 38-37.

Jo Page quickly handed Great Britain the lead as the teams re-emerged and when Leedham buried her fourth triple of the game, Slovak Republic were really on the ropes and in the middle of a serious slump.

Great Britain kept themselves in front and were 49-43 in front until a real burst Slovak Republic either side of the third and fourth quarter break. They posted an 11-4 run to regain the lead and set up an exciting climax.

However the visitors weren't done and with the scores tied at 57-57, Leedham buried another score from outside to help complete a decisive 9-3 run from which Pokey Chatmans team were unable to recover.

Jalcova finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds for the home team but ultimately the match-winning performance by Leedham was all that mattered.

Quotes Slovak Republic vs. Great Britain

Pokey Chatman, Slovakia Head Coach:
„After the loss in overtime in Germany that's another disappointment for us. In the second half we played totally another basketball than before the break. Britain was much aggressive and stronger."

Tom Maher, Great Britain Head Coach:
„How many times Britain beat Slovakia or Czechoslovakia in history? For us to beat this team is something fantastic. We were consistent and improved. We won the second half because of better rebounding. That really helped us."

Ivana Jalcová, Slovakia guard:
„We had a great start, leading 29-18 in the second quarter thanks to great shooting and fast breaks. In the second half Britain improved their three-point shooting and got much more aggressive in defense. We couldn't do anything."

Johannah Leedham, Great Britain guard:
„Oh my God, this is a fantastic win for us! Without discussion the key to win was our aggressive defensive in the second half."