GB Men take the series 2-0 over Portugal

Kyle Johnson led all scorers with 21 points for GB, which included four three-pointers, as he shot 67% from long range. Luol Deng hit 14 points and five assists with Eric Boateng adding 11 points with all his points coming in the fourth quarter, both also contributing five rebounds. Pops Mensah-Bonsu recorded nine points and six rebounds.

“This was a good win for us, and especially to get a second win this weekend is a great boost for us,” Johnson said. “These games are a great preparation, Portugal are a well drilled side and it’s a nice warm-up for our next game against USA. “

Standard Life GB head coach Chris Finch afterwards praised the effort of the bench as all Great Britain players got on the scoresheet.

“Kyle Johnson shot the ball very well and has been a great find overall for us, but all the players we have are great finds and they all contributed well in this game,” Finch commented.

Finch added: “Overall though tonight was a great performance, yesterday was rusty so it was much improved today, especially our second half showing, lots of things to be happy about and everyone was really focused and played really sharp.”

Mensah-Bonsu got the first points of the game with a one-hand dunk off a pass from Lenzly. But Portugal were the aggressors at the start, leading 9-4 with five minutes of the quarter played.

Great Britain recovered and scored the last eight points of the quarter to lead 21-14 at the end of the first period.

GB’s run continued to 12-0 before Portugal could score their first bucket in nearly three minutes of play. But the Brits picked up the pace as their lead extended to 35-18 thanks to a triple from Deng which was closely followed by a steal and highlight dunk from Mensah-Bonsu. GB led 46-29 at half-time.

Despite Portugal’s fierce defence, Great Britain found themselves up 54-35 thanks to an open lay-up from Andrew Lawrence, Joao Gomes answered back with a nice basket inside for Portugal which was countered with a transition three-pointer from Sheffield Sharks guard Nate Reinking to give GB a 57-37 lead.

A great steal from Lawrence, which led to a strong lay-up gave GB a 59-39 lead as they took firm control of the game, heading into the fourth quarter, GB led 61-45.

Eric Boateng scored GB’s first seven points of the fourth quarter which he highlighted with an explosive dunk off his own missed free throw giving Great Britain a 70-50 lead.

As Portugal began to tire, two three’s from Kyle Johnson and two free throws from Andrew Sullivan extended the lead to 83-57 as all GB players had contributed to the scoresheet and making the game safe.

For the box score click here.

Andrew Lawrence was named Standard Life GB Most Valued Player of the weekend series

(Photos by Mansoor Ahmed/Mansoor Ahmed Photography).