Image Credit: FIBA
Great Britain’s EuroBasket campaign hit a new low in Tampere as Sweden claimed their first tournament victory in over a decade with a commanding 78-59 win that leaves GB’s qualification hopes hanging by the finest of threads.
The defeat extends Britain’s own unwanted streak – they haven’t tasted victory at EuroBasket since 2013, the same year Sweden last won at this level. With both sides entering winless, something had to give, and it was Marc Steutel’s men who crumbled under the pressure.
GB’s afternoon was epitomised within the opening seconds as Sweden’s Ludvig Hakanson waltzed through for an uncontested layup. It set the tone for a performance where Britain simply couldn’t match their opponents’ intensity and execution.
Despite flashes of quality from the British side, Sweden’s superior game management shone through. Pelle Larsson, returning from illness, proved the difference-maker with a devastating third-quarter display that put the contest beyond doubt.
The writing was on the wall by the final minute of the third period, with Sweden’s disciplined approach exposing GB’s ongoing struggles to find any real rhythm at this level.
For GB, coach Marc Steutel cut a frustrated figure:
“It’s obviously a disappointing afternoon for everyone associated with Great Britain basketball. I didn’t think we could find any real rhythm in the game.”
Larsson’s 21-point haul, including 13 crucial third-quarter points, spearheaded Sweden’s long-awaited breakthrough. The performance, complemented by his 4 rebounds, finally delivered the victory Swedish basketball had craved since their 2013 triumph over Russia in Slovenia.
Melwin Pantzar provided excellent support with 12 points on efficient 4-of-6 shooting plus 8 boards.
For Britain, Myles Hesson’s 17 points offered little consolation as the supporting cast failed to fire.
The tale of the tape revealed Sweden’s decisive advantages. Their imposing presence resulted in six blocked shots against GB attempts, while they utterly dominated the paint with 40 points compared to Britain’s 14.
Both teams get a crucial breather before Monday’s make-or-break fixtures. Sweden will look to build momentum against Montenegro, while Britain face the daunting prospect of undefeated Germany – the reigning World Champions.
At 0-3 in Group B, GB’s path to progression now requires near-miracles in their remaining games – a stark reality check for a programme still searching for its first EuroBasket win in over a decade.
Guard Luke Nelson summed up Britain’s ongoing issues:
“We didn’t take care of the ball in the first half, which had us playing on the back foot a little bit. It’s something we’ve been talking about a lot and consistently doing, and it makes things tough, especially at this level.”
GB were again without Gabe Olaseni who has yet to feature for the team this summer, missing all the prep and now the first three games of the tournament due to a calf injury. Steutel said in the post-game press conference he remains a day-to-day decision.