Great Britain’s U20 Women had one of their stronger outings of the 2012 European Championship (Division A) on Friday but still fell to Latvia 72-61, leaving them at the foot of the relegation table with an 0-4 record.

 

GB stayed in Latvia’s shadow for most of the game; even when they trailed by as much as 14 points in the final quarter, they managed to trim the deficit to 6 when Jess Hurd hit a pair of free throws with just over a minute left.

 

However, the injuries and illness have taken their toll on coach Frans Griffioen’s team during this Championship run and they could get no closer than that 6-point gap.

 

Hurd finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds while Erin McGarrachan had 12 and 5 for GB. Sabine Dukate led Latvia and the game with 18 points.

 

Turnovers were a major issue for Britain, committing 22 to Latvia’s 5, and 15 of those 22 turnovers were a result of steals. Latvia also showed their shooting superiority hitting 10 of 25 three point attempts compared to GB’s 2 of 7.

 

GB’s next game will be on Saturday against current table leaders Italy, who look poised to take the one available spot that will stay safe in Division A for 2013.