Eurobasket debutants Great Britain hoped to book their spot in the second round on an opening night in a game against Slovenia. They were quite close to making history but a more experienced Slovenian side made a late run to avoid an upset.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu played his first game for Great Britain after joining the team a few days before Eurobasket. Though he didn't need much time to adjust. The fact that it was his birthday must have given additional motivation too as he finished the game as the top scorer for Great Britain with 18 points.
Slovenia tried turn their first quarter run into a knock out punch. However their opponents were going to give up easily as they won the second quarter by 10 points. A low scoring third quarter promised a close game till the buzzer but Slovenia had more energy and made a crucial run late in the fourth quarter eventually celebrating the win 72-59.
Eurobasket day 1 results make Group C wide open which makes it even more interesting.
59 – Great Britain (15+20+12+12): Pops Mensah-Bonsu 18, Robert Archibald 12, Andrew Betts 9, Flinder Boyd 8, Joel Freeland 6, Nate Reinking 5, Mike Lenzly 1.
72 – Slovenia (27+10+14+21): Erazem Lorbek 19, Jaka Lakovic 11, Samo Udrih 8, Primoz Brezec 8, Bostjan Nachbar 7, Domen Lorbek 7, Jurica Golemac 6, Goran Jagodnik 6.
