GB put together multiple quality runs throughout their fixture against the current reigning world champions, Germany, but were unable to limit a side that has scored more than 100 points in each of their four EuroBasket games so far.

GB came out on fire, bringing a great deal of intensity and offensive threat.

Luke Nelson attacked with purpose, dishing to Jubrile Belo for the score inside and creating for himself on the perimeter. Myles Hesson, GB’s top scorer over the last two games, added his jumpshooting threat, hitting pull-ups from three and mid-range. GB held a three-point lead deep into the first quarter.

Unfortunately for GB, the German offence started to click towards the end of the first period, creating open looks in a mechanical way that has been characteristic of them in Tampere, Finland.

Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner’s playmaking skills were on full display, as he generated seven assists in the first half alone, while scoring 10 points himself.

Tristan Da Silva enjoyed his best game of the tournament so far, scoring 25 points, grabbing five rebounds, and executing two blocks.

Germany asserted control throughout the rest of the match, demonstrating why they were placed second in FIBA’s Power Rankings prior to the tournament.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Head Coach Marc Steutel said, “I think being realistic, we have to appreciate that we're playing against the world champions and it's going to be a mammoth task for any team to beat them.

“But you know, the way in which the performance panned out was not one that anybody in our group probably envisaged, nor one that anybody in our group is pleased with.

“I think we have to all reflect and try and process it.”

Looking towards the final game against Montenegro, Coach Steutel said, “I think the only thing that we probably can hold on to now is that we have another opportunity against Montenegro to try and put a performance together that is one that we are proud of.

“I look around and see the British fans who have travelled here, and they were making noise to the final whistle behind the bench. We want to make sure that for the fans, we put a performance together.”

Hesson led GB in scoring again with 11 points

GB proved they were unfazed by the form and skill of Germany, attacking with intensity right from the tip. After some quality defence from Belo on Daniel Theis, GB ran out in transition, finding Nelson for a quick layup. Soon after, Wheatle’s hard drive drew some free throws whilst Hesson’s energy on the offensive glass secured an extra two for his country. The energy was there for GB.

This energy continued to bear fruit, as Nelson’s dish to Belo saw the latter slam down, giving GB their first lead. Hesson started firing, knocking down a three in transition and then a pull-up mid-range in the corner, extending GB’s narrow advantage.

Their ability to get to the line kept Germany close, until the final few minutes when they began to create opportunities in the paint, forcing GB’s defence to collapse inside, which further created opportunities on the perimeter.

Theis and Wagner were central to the shift in momentum.

Coach Steutel emphasised the need for physicality at the loose balls and in transition during his timeout, but the German lead continued to increase.

First Quarter: GER 32 / GBR 19

Germany’s scoring form continued into the second quarter as Wagner began to hit his three-point shots. Coach Steuel called another timeout and he rallied GB to stay together in every moment and apply their physicality.

This timeout had its desired effect, as Belo immediately imposed himself on the offensive glass, grabbing a rebound over Theis and going up for the layup. Akwasi Yeboah then converted on a catch-and-shoot from three-point range off a nice pass from Nelson, for his third assist of the half.

Germany’s three-point shooting was precise, with Wagner, Da Silva, and Andreas Obst all knocking them down in the period. Obst has shot 68% from three-point land in the tournament thus far.

GB put together a nice run towards the end of the half through a Jelani Watson-Gayle three and a lovely transition drive from Pat Whelan, whose eurostep created space for the finish.

Half Time: GER 58 / GBR 31

Whelan matched GB's leading scorer Myles Hesson, with 11 points

GB suffered in the third quarter. They saw some offensive success, through Hesson’s layup, and a nice pump-fake and mid-range pull-up from Amin Adamu, but were heavily outscored as Germany’s attack continued to fire.

Schroder connected on multiple three-pointers, lifting Germany to a 30-point quarter, whilst Wagner scored 8 points and dished two assists, taking his tally to 18 points.

Hesson’s total increased to 11 points, as he continued to find success with his pull-up game.

Third Quarter: GER 88 / GBR 40

Despite Germany holding a significant lead, GB played with pride and purpose in the final quarter of this game, driven by their captain. Wheatle initiated the scoring with a turnaround jumpshot in the mid-range. Belo then threw down a reverse dunk off the perfect pass from Watson-Gayle.

Yeboah followed up on his energy to grab an offensive rebound with a nice pass to the cutting Wheatle, who found space for an easy layup. Watson Gayle got in on the action with a deep step-back two, seizing the opportunity of playing extended minutes.

Whelan led the way for GB in the final quarter, making four shots, including a catch-and-shoot three from the corner and with some great transition running, scored 11 points in total on the night, a personal record in this EuroBasket to date.

Germany continued to rack up the points as Da Silva torched GB from three-point range. He finished with 25 points and five made three-pointers, as well as five rebounds and two blocks.

Final Score: GER 120 / GBR 57

You can stream GB’s next match against Germany live and for free on Courtside 1891 at 11:30 am (BST) on Wednesday, 3 September.