Great Britain conclude EuroBasket qualifying with defeats

By Sportsbeat staff

CHRIS Finch put a brave face on defeat as his Great Britain team ended their EuroBasket qualification campaign with a 75-66 defeat to Ukraine.

DISAPPOINTMENT: Veteran Nate Reinking concluded his summer campaign with 12 points but Great Britain were still well beaten in the Ukraine (British Basketball)

Great Britain had already assured their place in next summer's finals but were hopeful of qualifying top of their group - in order to secure the best possible seeding in Lithuania.

However, their fortunes will now depend on the result of Macedonia's game in Bosnia.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu led Great Britain with 18 points and ten rebounds while Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng added 17 points and veteran Nate Reinking finished the summer with 12 points.

"We have a lot to be proud of. Not many people gave this team a chance to qualify and we did it through great effort," said Finch.

"This was a tough game and we rallied in the second half and gave ourselves a chance to win.

"Our young players played well and gain immeasurable experience from this campaign.

"Next summer provides us with a chance to play against the best in Europe once again. I am looking forward to the 2011 campaign and I know the players are as well."

There was also disappointment for Great Britain's women - who also lost in the Ukraine.

With qualification also guaranteed, coach Tom Maher had warned against complacency but his side were brushed aside 70-66.

"It was very disappointing, we could have won the game but we made too many bad decisions" he said. 

"Nevertheless we shouldn't detract from what the players have achieved this summer."