Freeman inspires GB women to first-ever final

Great Britain’s women guaranteed their first-ever medal at the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships by beating Germany 60-37 in their own backyard to reach the final.

Captain Helen Freeman delivered a magical all-round display in Hamburg, following up 23 points in the quarter-final win over Spain with a double-double.  

The 28-year-old put up 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished nine assists.

The first quarter ended 13-6 in favour of GB, but this advantage was soon extended as Germany struggled to stay with the rampant Great Britain outfit.  

A 16-2 run at the end of the second period, largely led by Freeman’s accuracy from outside and Amy Conroy’s tenacity in the paint, formed the backbone of the victory.  

A 16-2 run at the end of the second period, largely led by Freeman’s accuracy from outside and Amy Conroy’s tenacity in the paint, formed the backbone of the victory.  

Before the current edition, sixth place had been GB’s best return after reaching the quarter-finals on home soil in 1994 and 2010 and then in Toronto four years later.

Miles Thompson’s side, who romped through their pool with four wins from five, have shown dramatic improvement to build on their fourth-place finish at the 2016 Paralympic Games.

GB will face the winner of the other semi-final between Netherlands and China, which takes place later tonight, in the final.