Maher warmed by British success

Great Britain women's basketball team produced their most impressive pre-Olympics display in Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon in a 70-57 victory over Canada.

The Canadians forged ahead early in the second quarter and held a 28-24 interval advantage, but Tom Maher's side raised their game in the second half.

Natalie Stafford led Britain with 16 points, while Jo Leedham contributed 15 points and six rebounds and Temi Fagbenle and Dominique Allen were solid in defence - the latter grabbing a team-high seven rebounds.

An 11-2 run in the third quarter handed Britain a lead they never relinquished, despite a game-high 19-point haul from Canada's former WNBA forward Kim Smith.

GB head coach Tom Maher said on www.gbbasketball.com: "I am delighted, I won't lie. Our performance was terrific against a team we need to be able to cope with.

"When you look at world rankings, they're in the mix for the Olympics. These are the kind of teams you want to compete against."

The teams meet again at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday.