Manchester hosts thrilling start to EuroBasket 2027 qualification
Great Britain’s women began their EuroBasket 2027 qualification campaign with a confident 85-64 victory over Switzerland in Manchester. The result sets a promising tone for the hosts as they seek to advance through a competitive qualifying group, with fans and staff hopeful after a strong second-quarter surge.
Early setback, late surge: the quarter-by-quarter breakdown
Switzerland jumped out to a fast start, taking a 22-12 lead after the first period. The visitors disrupted Britain’s rhythm with aggressive pressure and efficient ball movement, forcing several early misses for the home side. The second quarter changed the momentum dramatically, as Britain found its offense and tightened its defense. A 32-point contribution in the period helped them flip the scoreboard and hold a six-point advantage at halftime.
Balanced offense fuels the win
The victory came on the back of a balanced scoring effort across the team. While no individual performance is highlighted here, the collective production allowed Britain to weather Switzerland’s challenge and gradually impose their style on the game. The second-half steps were decisive, with a steady pace and smart shot selection translating into a comfortable final margin.
Defensive improvements and nerve in crunch time
Defensively, Britain showed signs of the discipline required at this level, contesting shots and guarding without fouling. The squad’s ability to rebound and transition into offense kept Switzerland on the back foot for much of the second half, helping build a cushion that Switzerland could not quite overcome in the final minutes.
What this win means for the campaign
Opening wins in qualification rounds are crucial, both for confidence and standings. Britain now has early-group momentum and a reference point for how they can execute their game plan against upcoming opponents. As the team builds cohesion ahead of the next fixtures, fans will be looking for continued balance on offense and improved consistency on defense.
Looking ahead: fixtures and expectations
The EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers will continue with a demanding schedule, and Britain’s coaching staff will be keen to replicate the level of effort seen in the second quarter and beyond. If the team can sustain the aggression and shot quality demonstrated against Switzerland, they will be well-placed to challenge for top spots in the group and progress through to the later stages of the tournament.
