But here they were, entering the match knowing that, due to China’s tight victory beforehand, a win would make them the first British side, male or female, to qualify for an Olympic Games outright (their 2012 appearance came by virtue of a host spot).
Britain started slowly with their opponents, perhaps spurred on themselves knowing defeat would mean elimination, taking a 25-19 first-quarter lead.
It was a familiar story in the second and third as Britain’s defence crumbled and rebounds repeatedly fell the way of Korea. Entering the fourth quarter 70-54 down, the game was surely up. But Britain refused to accept they were beaten and, driven on by the once-again impressive Temi Fagbenle, they drained 15 unanswered points to remarkably reduce the gap to 80-79.
Britain, trailing since the second minute, sensed an unlikely victory. But a Korean turnover forced Fagbenle to foul and two South Korea free throws left Rachael Vanderwal needing to succeed with her three pointer with seven seconds left to take the game to overtime.
The ball hit the rim and the buzzer sounded shortly afterwards. Everything now rests on Spain.
