Evbuomwan shines as GB rout Switzerland in EuroBasket qualifying opener

Great Britain's men's basketball team opened their pre-qualifying campaign for the 2029 EuroBasket with a commanding 110-75 win over Switzerland in Fribourg, moving to the top of Group E.

Two players made their senior debuts in the victory: Boston Celtics centre Amari Williams and Barcelona forward Tosan Evbuomwan. Evbuomwan, who joined Barcelona this summer after three NBA seasons and 50 appearances, scored 21 points in 25 minutes. Williams, fresh off his first season with the Celtics, added eight points and seven rebounds in 19 minutes. Josh Uduje was the visitors' top scorer with 24 points.

Marc Steutel's side were in control from the start of their first competitive fixture since missing out on qualification for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Great Britain won all four quarters, taking each of the first two by six points. Their advantage grew further after the break, with the team leading 79-51 by the end of the third quarter.

Great Britain are ranked 45th in the world, 16 places above Switzerland. With Sunday's match against Slovakia in Newcastle in mind, Evbuomwan and Williams were given rest during the fourth quarter.

GB's remaining group fixtures are a home match against Switzerland on 29 November and an away trip to Slovakia on 25 February 2027. The winner of each pre-qualifying group advances to full qualifying in 2028 and 2029, while teams that finish outside first place will face a third pre-qualifying round in 2027.