England U16 Men's chances of avoiding relegation back to Division B took a major blow with an 83-69 loss to Slovenia on Tuesday.

 

The teams had entered the fourth quarter deadlocked at 56, but Slovenia scored the first 6 points of the final period and England committed 5 turnovers in the opening 5 minutes of the quarter to allow their opponents out to a 12 point advantage.

 

England had the quicker start of the two sides, jumping out to a 7-2 lead, but the Slovenes hit back to control much of the opening quarter and lead 22-16 at the first break.

 

England started quarter two strongly with the first 5 points and later in the period a three point play by Theo Oghide gave them a lead at 28-27.

 

Slovenia continued the game of runs to build a 7 point lead, but a three just before half-time from Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye helped England to trim it just a 2 point gap at half-time.

 

Neither team was able to wrestle control in the third quarter, with only narrow leads achieved by both teams and a buzzer-beaeter three by Milan Kovacevic set the scene for the final period.

 

Lautier-Ogunleye almost recorded a triple double with 13 points, 13 boards and 8 assists and Theo Oghide had a double-double of his own with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Joe Junior Mvuezolo (16 points, 9 rebounds) and Jules Christian (7 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds) were also impressive for England. Nejc Zupan led Slovenia with 19 points and 9 rebounds.

 

England will face Russia on Wednesday to reach the half-way stage of their battle to avoid relegation.