Paralympic Champions USA too strong for GB women
Great Britain took on USA in the first of the women’s quarter finals at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, with an enthusiastic home crowd cheering them on.
The game started with the two sides matching each other point for point, Rebecca Murray the outstanding player on the court as she scored all of USA’s first 10 points. Great Britain however ensured that they kept themselves in the game with some excellent finishing. As the quarter drew on, mistakes started to creep in for GB and as they missed their chances, USA continued to put points on the board. The first period ended with USA leading 17 – 10.
The second quarter started slowly as neither side were able to take their chances, half way through saw both sides only adding two points to their tally. GB in particular failed to take their chances and had they scored their free throws they would have taken the lead. An excellent field goal by Pauline McDonald was not enough to rally GB and Gary Peel’s side were left to reflect on what might have been had they converted their chances. GB edged a low scoring quarter of 8 – 7 points giving a half time score of 24 – 18 to USA.
Gary Peel’s half time team talk seemed to work as GB started the second half in fine form. Helen Freeman continued her good first half showing by opening the scoring and as USA missed their chances, GB looked to close the gap. Claire Strange produced a strong lay up from some excellent GB play but Rebecca Murray found her scoring touch from the first quarter to keep USA in a comfortable lead. Murray’s points seemed spur USA on and they again managed to keep GB at arm’s length. The third quarter finished 36 – 28 with USA just outscoring GB 12 points to 10.
GB showed good spirit in the final quarter and a three point play by Claire Strange followed by some good work by Louise Sugden meant that USA’s lead was cut down to just three points. However GB missed a crucial opportunity and allowed USA to take advantage. From that, USA’s confidence grew and some excellent inside play cut through the GB defence and saw the USA lead grow. As the USA continued to press, the lead grew and GB eventually got left behind and were left chasing the game. Fran Ray came on for the final three minutes to play her first basketball of the tournament but by this time the game was all but won for the USA.
A spirited performance in which GB never gave up was not quite enough as USA’s experience and superior finishing proved to be the difference. For GB will now battle it out for final standings while USA march on to the semi-finals.
Photograph © SA images