GB basketball: Women beaten for third time by Russia
Last updated on .From the section Olympics
Great Britain's women suffered a third consecutive London 2012 Group B defeat with a 67-61 loss to Russia.
Britain raced into a 12-2 lead to thrill the home crowd but Russia surged back to go 39-27 ahead at half-time.
Britain kept fighting and were within three points going into the final minute, but Russia held on to make it three wins in a row.
France are top of the group after a 64-60 triumph over Canada, while Australia defeated winless Brazil 67-61.
"It was a bad one from the start," said GB guard Rose Anderson. "I thought we had it at one point. It was really tough.
"Very disappointed, clearly we could have won. We need to learn to finish at the end but they are Russia, European champions and ranked second in the world."
Centre Azania Stewart added: "We still have two games and still have a chance to get through. We are lucky in that we still have a chance unlike in some sports like judo where it is one [chance] and done.
"This could be a blessing in disguise. France and Brazil are still beatable."
Great Britain coach Tom Maher said: "We need a couple of players, better players. We're just a good team. Ilona [Korstin, Russia] she's a big-time famous player. We don't have any famous players. We accept that. What we're trying to do is be a good team."
In other Group B matches, Australia beat Brazil 67-61, with Lauren Jackson becoming the all-time leading scorer in Olympic history as 18 points took her to 497 in total. France edged out Canada 64-60.
In Group A, China beat Angola 76-52, Czech Republic saw off Croatia 89-70 and USA defeated Turkey 89-58.
