Britain upbeat despite EuroBasket defeat to hosts France

British head coach Damian Jennings insisted he was looking ahead with confidence, despite a crushing defeat by hosts and tournament favourites France at the women's EuroBasket.

After wins over Serbia and Latvia, Great Britain were beaten 79-47 with guard Jo Leedham contributing a game high 13 points.

However, Jennings is upbeat ahead of second round matches against Belarus, Croatia and the Czech Republic, as Great Britain seek a quarter-final spot for the first time.

"It's a tough situation and a pressured environment but I thought the girls coped really well and stepped up," said Jennings.

"We're still learning to add weight to some of the good things we do at the defensive end.

"There are great lessons to be had when you're facing a team that is the best in Europe at the moment and one of the best in the world.

"We know the Czechs and the Croatians well. We've already started our preparations for them so we'll see what we can do. Our target is going to be two wins. We want to be in the next round."

Leedham, who plays her club basketball in France, also remains confident, despite the 32 point defeat, inspired by home star Isabelle Yacoubou.

"It was always going to be a tough match-up for us," said Leedham. "France are a great team. They take one player off and they bring on someone else with similar qualities, but I think we fought hard."

© Sportsbeat 2013