Loss=Win?

When is a loss a win? Sometimes in FIBA play. We played Ukraine in Ukraine last night with a win assuring GB a first place finish in group B. It would give us a 7-1 record best in all three groups and a spot in the third tier in next years EuroBasket tournament in Lithuania (See last blog for more info about tiers). However Ukraine had others ideas as they were fighting to stay out of last place. They got up on us by 10 points at halftime and we had an up hill battle the rest of the night. We made a run in the second half cutting the lead too two points but we could never get over the hump. It was a tough loss, even though we had accomplished our goal of qualifying for next years EuroBasket we wanted to end on a high note and win our group.

But wait...............There was still one more game to be played that night. Macedonia at Bosnia. If Macedonia wins they will be 6-2 just like us but because we had both beaten each other in group play the tie would be broken by the point difference in the Losses. We beat Macedonia by 8 point but they beat us by 18 points. They would win the tie breaker. Macedonia is a very good team so it was interesting to see them get behind to Bosnia while I watched on my computer in my hotel room in Ukraine. As the game went on the lead grew and by the end Bosnia had a big win and Great Britain was first place in the group! In FIBA basketball not only does one game make a difference but every point matters. On the last night of group play we were the only team with a spot for next years EuroBasket rapped up. One 3Pt shot, one tip in, one bad call and all your hopes could be dashed.

Here is how everything worked out:

Already in next years EuroBasket Tournament are the 10 European teams playing in the Worlds in Turkey this summer. In no particular order.

Spain

Serbia

Greece

Slovenia

France

Croatia

Germany

Lithuania

Russia

Turkey

Teams getting in from our group play:

First place teams in their groups

Belgium 6-2

Montenegro 6-2

Great Britain 6-2

Belgium and Montenegro get the top two spots over us because of "goal coefficient" what ever that is. I told you ALL points matter.

And the two top second place teams

Macedonia 5-3

Israel 5-3

Georgia 5-3 loss out because of the "goal coefficient"

Next year will be a huge year for GB basketball. Looking to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

I have been on the road for 88 of the last 90 days and can't wait to get back to the good old US of A! Nachos, ESPN, my own bed. After I get back and catch my breath I will put together a re cap of this crazy summer. And hopefully if our son Michael helps me pictures. So stay tuned.