Great Britain may have suffered two defeats in their opening two games of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, but they have showcased impressive performances.

It has been a thrilling slate of fixtures on the opening day of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup. Great Britain’s supporters eagerly watched on as their nation’s heroes participated in their first-ever game in this competition.

However, results have not ended in favour of the World Cup debutants – losing both fixtures to Olympic Champions Netherlands (20-19) and an impressive Switzerland side (21-16).

Newcomers to the 3×3 format may be disappointed after suffering two defeats in as many games, yet the nature of these performances has shown that Great Britain has a bright future in the sport.

Great Britain refusing to be intimidated by ‘Pool of Death’

Many fans predicted that Great Britain might succumb to the talents of their menacing foes and suffer some demoralising beatings – this has been far from the case.

During the 20-19 defeat to the Netherlands, the British players exhibited valiant performances with Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye leading the charge – recording an inspiring eight points, finishing four of his five one-point attempts.

Lautier-Ogunleye displayed no fear despite matching up against the Olympic champions, driving aggressively to the basket at every opportunity and piling pressure on his opponents.

Ashley Hamilton appeared to clinch a shocking victory for his nation with around one minute left on the clock, sinking a one-point attempt to increase Great Britain’s lead to three points.

Alas, fate was not on the side of the Britons as Dimeo Van Der Horst and Worthy De Jong salvaged the Netherlands from their blushes as they both scored two-point attempts with the game reaching its dying embers.

Switzerland matchup ends in second defeat

Pool D continued to spit out tough opponents for Great Britain’s roster as their second fixture saw the team defeated 21-16 by Switzerland.

Again, Lautier-Ogunleye was in magnificent form in an attempt to spark his nation’s ambitions into life – registering 11 points.

Despite the courageous efforts of the star, it was not enough to trump Switzerland as Jonathan Kazadi showcased his exceptional 3×3 talents.

With two formidable opponents remaining in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup for Great Britain – Lithuania and Spain – qualification from Pool D will be an arduous task, but one this skilled roster will relish.

This set of players has done their nation proud with their determination and enthralling performances. Yet, this roster will not be satisfied as this group will not want their Mongolian adventure to end prematurely.

Next game: Lithuania vs Great Britain – June 25, 04:50 AM.