Myles Hesson scored 25 points to lead Britain to its first victory in 12 years at the EuroBasket tournament on Wednesday, a 89-83 upset of Montenegro that ended their rivals' hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase.
Britain had lost its previous four games in Group B but produced a strong collective display to break its losing streak and stun Montenegro, which needed a win to progress to the round of 16.
Hesson also grabbed seven rebounds and Akwasi Yeboah added 23 points for Britain.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic led Montenegro with 31 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists but couldn't make up for Montenegro turning the ball over 18 times.
"They were more aggressive and throughout the game, they did more to win,” Vucevic said.
Both Montenegro and Britain were eliminated as Sweden progressed to the knockout phase for the first time, regardless of the result of its game against Lithuania later Wednesday.
The knockout phase will be in Riga, Latvia, from Sept. 6-14.
Celtics center Queta ejected, Portugal advances
Portugal posted a crucial 68-65 win over Estonia to qualify from Group A, despite Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta’s ejection in the third quarter.
Estonia had a 64-61 lead heading into the final minute but Rafael Lisboa tied the game with 54 seconds left to play with a 3-pointer from deep. Lisboa then added four free throws to finish with 17 points and five assists.
“We never gave up, we gave everything to the end," Lisboa said.
Queta was ejected with 4:34 left in the third quarter with Portugal leading by one point after picking up two technical fouls. Queta scored 15 points.
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The Associated Press
