Great Britain 57-93 Italy: Steutel's men slip to defeat in Newcastle
Great Britain slipped to 1-2 in their World Cup 2027 European Qualifying campaign with a 93-57 defeat to Italy in Newcastle.
Coach Steutel's men will have to pick themselves up quickly for the return game in Livorno on Monday following a contest in which the opposition led from start to finish.
The Italians started hot, taking the first quarter 32-14 and leading 51-27 at the break.
An emphatic two-handed dunk and a chase-down block from Jubrile Belo followed by a Pat Whelan triple gave GB a third-quarter spark as the visitors' lead was pegged back to 14.
But Italy held their composure to finish strong and run out convincing winners in front of a sell-out Vertu Arena crowd.
Captain Carl Wheatle led the home charge with 10 points and eight assists, while Akwasi Yeboah had nine and Deane Williams scored eight on his national team debut.
Nico Mannion led Italy's effort with 19 points and five assists.
Press conference
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