HERAKLION (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Greece survived their second scare from Great Britain as they ensured they will be in the Second Round with a 75-70 success.

Just as they did in Leicester in November, Greece produced the stronger finish to deny Great Britain their first win in the First Round.

Turning point: Luke Nelson's three-pointer before the half-time buzzer put GB ahead at 46-39 and he would need another effort from long range late in the third period to keep his side in front heading into the final 10 minutes. However, Greece quickly moved into the lead and only briefly trailed in the fourth with Bourousis’ and-1 with 19 seconds left all but sealing the win.

Game hero: Ioannis Bourousis was not at his best, particularly in the first half, but the 34-year-old stepped up when it mattered most with a crucial basket in the final minute as he finished with 15 points.

Stats don't lie: Great Britain did well to win the battle of the boards (40-27), although they struggled to take care of the ball with 20 turnovers as mistakes proved costly down the stretch.

Bottom line: Greece can have no complaints with their 4-0 record after coming through another test. For Great Britain, their hopes look slim as they must now rely on results going their way as well as strong support in Glasgow in the summer window.

They said: "It was a really tough loss for us because we were running the game and we truly believed we could do it. It was in the last minute that we lost the game as it was close all the way." - Great Britain coach Alberto Lorenzo.

"It was a very nice game and it was very important for us to make it four wins in as many games." - Greece forward Panagiotis Vasilopoulos.

"We are very satisfied that we have been able to make it two wins out of two games here in Crete. Thank you very much to all the fans that came to support us. I want to congratulate my team." - Greece coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos.

FIBA