{"id":385949,"date":"2025-08-30T23:26:41","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T23:26:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/385949\/"},"modified":"2025-08-30T23:26:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T23:26:41","slug":"gb-suffer-blow-with-defeat-to-sweden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/385949\/","title":{"rendered":"GB suffer blow with defeat to Sweden"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: FIBA\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Great Britain\u2019s 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\u2019s qualification hopes hanging by the finest of threads.<\/p>\n

The defeat extends Britain\u2019s own unwanted streak \u2013 they haven\u2019t 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\u2019s men who crumbled under the pressure.<\/p>\n

GB\u2019s afternoon was epitomised within the opening seconds as Sweden\u2019s Ludvig Hakanson waltzed through for an uncontested layup. It set the tone for a performance where Britain simply couldn\u2019t match their opponents\u2019 intensity and execution.<\/p>\n

Despite flashes of quality from the British side, Sweden\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The writing was on the wall by the final minute of the third period, with Sweden\u2019s disciplined approach exposing GB\u2019s ongoing struggles to find any real rhythm at this level.<\/p>\n

For GB, coach Marc Steutel cut a frustrated figure: <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s obviously a disappointing afternoon for everyone associated with Great Britain basketball. I didn\u2019t think we could find any real rhythm in the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Larsson\u2019s 21-point haul, including 13 crucial third-quarter points, spearheaded Sweden\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Melwin Pantzar provided excellent support with 12 points on efficient 4-of-6 shooting plus 8 boards. <\/p>\n

For Britain, Myles Hesson\u2019s 17 points offered little consolation as the supporting cast failed to fire.<\/p>\n

The tale of the tape revealed Sweden\u2019s 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\u2019s 14. <\/p>\n

Both teams get a crucial breather before Monday\u2019s make-or-break fixtures. Sweden will look to build momentum against Montenegro, while Britain face the daunting prospect of undefeated Germany \u2013 the reigning World Champions.<\/p>\n

At 0-3 in Group B, GB\u2019s path to progression now requires near-miracles in their remaining games \u2013 a stark reality check for a programme still searching for its first EuroBasket win in over a decade.<\/p>\n

Guard Luke Nelson summed up Britain\u2019s ongoing issues: <\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t take care of the ball in the first half, which had us playing on the back foot a little bit. It\u2019s something we\u2019ve been talking about a lot and consistently doing, and it makes things tough, especially at this level.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Box score<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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