TAMPERE (Finland) - Sweden breathed new life into their FIBA EuroBasket 2025 campaign by beating Great Britain 78-59 to secure a first win in this competition.
The victory is also Sweden's first at EuroBasket in 12 years, with their last taste of success coming in 2013. They improve to 1-2 in Group B, while Great Britain falls to 0-3.
Turning Point
It only took Sweden five seconds to get their first field goal, as Ludvig Hakanson sprinted in for the uncontested lay-up. Pelle Larsson kept the scoreboard ticking over to keep GB at bay, despite positive spells from the Brits, who did produce some highlights.
When it was all said and done, Sweden was well-drilled, executed their offenses, and in the final minute of the third quarter, put the game beyond Great Britain's reach.
TCL Player of the Game
Larsson returned to the team following an illness and made an instant impact. He dropped 21 points - including 13 in the third quarter - and 4 rebounds to hand Sweden their first EuroBasket win since 2013, when they beat Russia in Koper, Slovenia.
Melwin Pantzar added 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting, along with 8 rebounds. Myles Hesson had 17 for GB.
Stats Don't Lie
Sweden's size advantage was undoubtedly a factor in this battle. They swatted away six GB field goal attempts and dominated inside on the offensive side as well, scoring 40 points in the paint to Great Britain's 14.
Bottom Line
Both teams have a much-needed rest day as Sweden looks to continue their newfound form with a crucial battle against Montenegro. Great Britain's hopes of qualification now hang by a thread with the challenge of the undefeated Germans coming up. Both games take place on Monday.
They Said
"It's nice to be here with a win in the bag. I'm really proud of how we came out in the game, how we prepared on a back-to-back game, and especially on how the players took on the challenge mentally. We jumped on the game, and put our mark on the game early, and that was something really important for me," - Mikko Riipinen, Sweden head coach
"I'm just happy to be here, happy to represent Sweden. We're playing really good, the coach has been preparing us really good also and I'm just happy," - Melwin Pantzar, Sweden.
"Sweden executed relatively well at times, particularly in that third period, so congratulations on an important win for them. It's obviously a disapointing afternoon for everyone associated with Great Britain basketball, i didn't we could find any real rhythm in the game.
"We looked after the ball a little bit better in the second, but it was challenging; we wanted to make extra use of those possessions in that first half," - Marc Steutel, Great Britain head coach.
"A frustrating one. We didn't take care of the ball in the first half, which had us playing on the back foot a little bit, and it's something we've been talking about a lot and consistently doing, and it makes things tough, especially at this level, where there's a lot of talent," - Luke Nelson, Great Britain.
For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!
FIBA