Not for nothing was the venue know as the "box that rocks" throughout last summer's festivities and the game took place in a raucous and partisan atmosphere once again, as every offence and defence by the home team was roared on ecstatically.

In an encounter which ebbed and flowed throughout and pitted together two evenly matched teams, this support ultimately made the difference as Britain pulled clear from 30-30 at the half way point to eventually triumph by eight points.

 Andrew Lawrence gets the crowd roaring by taking on the Puerto Rican defence







On his 50th cap for Britain, Kieron Achara was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) as he accrued 13 points, as well as six blocks and 11 rebounds, while Kyle Johnson and captain Andrew Sullivan also impressed in hitting 11 and 10 points respectively.

"It was pleasing to get the win today," Achara said.

"Right now, it's all about getting the results and understanding each other on the court - the mood has been great and we look to continue the momentum as we head to EuroBasket."

On getting 50 caps for his country, he added: "It's a great feeling, from being a rookie on the team to being a veteran, it's a fantastic honour.

"We have a great group of guys here and it's great to be a part of it."

As with other London 2012 anniversary events over recent weeks, the game was only the final element of a day which showcased top level Olympic and Paralympic sport as well as more amateur enthusiasts.

The Copper Box was back open with a capacity crowd in attendance for an afternoon of Olympic, Paralympic and recreational level basketball





The afternoon began with a youth team match between two under-11 sides before an engaging mixed-team wheelchair basketball contest between Britain and a Help for Heroes side.

The international class of Team GB ultimately prevailed in a 32-14 victory but in a game where no quarter was given despite its exhibition and friendly nature, all of the considerable guile, skill and physicality of the sport was evident.

The only disappointment was that that the arena was only half full throughout as most spectators arrived later, seemingly unaware that there was more than a single match to watch.

They were certainly present for the main event though, and with the customary mascots and Mexican waves accompanied by the less usual acrobats and street dancers, there was no prospect of their attention ever dwindling.

The match was not going to let that happen anyway and as its even nature became apparent every defensive block was cheered almost as loudly as each three-pointer.

Britain were suffering from the absence of several of their big name players including National Basketball Association (NBA) stars Luol Deng and Joel Freeland - who are each sidelined for the entire 2013 campaign.

Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng was one of those missing through injury


Yet those present battled valiantly, and the experience of Achara and captain Andrew Sullivan was well complemented by the youth of the impressive Andrew Lawrence and Devon van Oostrum.

Although the score was 30 apiece at half time and 44-42 at the three quarter point Britain's strength told thereafter and, with the Puerto Rican coaches growing more and more visibly frantic, they gradually opened up a more sizeable gap.

Still the Puerto Ricans fought, and not for nothing did they win the Pan American Championships in 2011, but Achara and Johnson hit late three pointers to settle the nerves and make the victory certain.

Britain's new head coach Joe Prunty was pleased with the result of his first game in charge after only taking over in June but he also insisted there is plenty more to come.

"It was important not just to get this win under our belts as individuals but as a unit, and we wanted to get as many different guys on court trying different combinations," he said.

"It's nowhere near where we need to be but I like where we are."

Head coach Joe Prunty addresses his new charges midway through their 61-53 victory




Britain will now turn their attention to next month's EuroBasket campaign in Slovenia where they have been drawn in Group A alongside Germany, Ukraine, Israel, Belgium and France and they will now go into it full of confidence after blowing off the cobwebs with this display.

Most importantly of all, the afternoon showed that the spirit of London 2012 is alive, while "the box that rocks" rocked again as 6,000 passionate fans roared Britain on towards more success.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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