Finch and Maher warn against complacency ahead of final tests

BRITISH basketball coach Chris Finch has warned against complacency as his team conclude their EuroBasket qualifying campaign in the Ukraine on Sunday.

ON MESSAGE: Chris Finch does not want to slip up against the Ukraine, despite his British side securing their place in the EuroBasket finals next summer

Despite securing qualification for next year's finals, a win or a Macedonia loss in Bosnia, will see Great Britain top the group and should see them in the group of third seeds in next summer's EuroBasket finals in Lithuania.

"We always have something to play for in groups," said Finch, whose team beat Ukraine 90-74 at the National Indoor Arena a fortnight ago.

"Our initial goal was to qualify, but last time we didn't get a high seeding so we'll go there and play for the win."

However, Ukraine go into the game with all to play for. They currently have a 2-5 record, but a victory should be enough to see them through to next summer's additional qualifying round, where six teams will look to seal the final place in Lithuania.

Meanwhile, British women's coach Tom Maher has issued a similar rallying call for his side - who also booked their finals place earlier this week.

And ahead of their match, also against the Ukraine, he said: "We are all pretty happy about finishing top of our group and qualifying for the European finals.

"However, I expect the overall seeding to be reliant on our win loss record so it's very important that we don't get distracted and we win this game."