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GB Students 83 (24, 39, 59)
Julius Joseph 25, Neil Fingleton 21

Hong Kong 67 (18, 33, 53)

A great start for the GBR Basketball team saw them defeat Hong Kong 83-67 in their opening game at the World University Games in Beijing.

Prior to the match the Assistant Coach, Tony Garbelotto said that it would be good to finish in the top 10 but on present form they would be hoping for something better, “We must wait and see how some of the other teams play before making predictions. It is tough to know who will be strong but you can count on America and Spain being up there at the finish.”

Hong Kong started the game with a zone defence which gave GBR some problems but good shooting by Refiloe Lethunya and Julius Joseph ensured a 24 -18 lead after the first quarter. GBR stretched their lead to 11 points leading 36 -25 but then allowed Hong Kong back into the game with the half time score being 39 - 33. Refiloe Lethunya and Julius Joseph were top scorers in the first half with 15 points each.

Supported by a partisan crowd Hong Kong shot a series of 3 point shots to maintain their 6 point deficit at the end of the third quarter 59 - 53. GBR however rallied in the final quarter to win 83 -67. Julius Joseph was top scorer with 25 points followed by Neil Fingleton with 21 points.

Richard Windle was philosophical after the match. “We had an early start but didn’t play too well, at the end of the day a win is a win no matter what. We can look forward to playing Russia, but will have to play better against them.”

Richard Windle and Junior Williams gave their thoughts prior to the match on their hopes for the team. Richard Windle said “Team building and good preparation should give us a chance to progress. If we pull together and perform to the best of our abilities I will be satisfied.”

Junior Williams had higher hopes, “ I think that we have a chance of a medal although the Russians will be tough opponents. Personally I believe we could take gold but more realistically most people think 5th or 6th place would be good”.

Russia, Hong Kong and GBR have been drawn together in one group. This win guarantees GBR a place in the final 16 of the competition. They will now face Russia on August 24. Russia open their campaign against Hong Kong on August 23.
Source: BUSA - www.gbr-worldunigames.org.uk

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