Great Britain’s women go toe to toe with USA

Great Britain’s women could not prevail against the overall power of USA as they were beaten 63-88 at Manchester Arena in the biggest women’s game played in recent history in Britain.

The first five minutes of the first quarter can only be described as a rude awakening for USA. Remnants of jet lag still in the system perhaps having only touched down in Britain on Tuesday afternoon; whatever it was GB took hold and were in the lead 21-10 midway through the quarter. Everything that USA were shooting just didn’t seem to want to drop.

That would soon be consigned to the back of the minds of Geno Auriemma’s players as they upped they speed, pressure, and overall intensity, and closing the quarter were running riot after a 15-0 run; 21-25.

With the control now firmly going the way of the Americans, a game high scoring run of 21 points, their lead began to stretch in the second quarter. Doing all the basics right, completely what is needed in preparation games going into a major competition, free throws were 100%, and a 15 point gap at half-time, 32-47, with Maya Moore at this stage doing the main damage.

Opening up in the third quarter, GB slowly, and very quietly went about their work and worked themselves back into the game, bringing the deficit down to just 7 points. However, it was clear to see that with putting everything out on the floor early on, and having to combat the experience of the USA, was beginning to be too much, as a 22 point gap was more like a crater.

In the final quarter though, it was a much level affair, but still the quality showed. Jo Leedham was still battling away, and really made the difference in keeping it down to less than 30 points. The final score coming out at 63-88, in favour of the reigning World and Olympic champions, USA.