Great Britain 62 Brazil 67: Deng's magic fails to inspire hosts to basketbal

Great Britain's men came within touching distance of an Olympic victory over Brazil but fell away at the end against the South Americans.

Like the women on Monday, Britain held a late lead - albeit narrow - but could not hold on down the stretch. The game had remained close throughout with the teams trading baskets and the lead all the way.

But after Luol Deng had given Britain a one-point lead with back-to-back three-pointers four minutes from the end, Brazil went on a 7-0 spurt to make it 63-57.

Leap of faith: Luol Deng jumps to score against Brazil in the Basketball Arena

Nene was called for illegal goaltending against Joel Freeland to make it 63-59 with 64 seconds to go, but Tiago Splitter's lay-up extended Brazil's advantage.

Deng could only make one of three free throws to leave Britain five adrift with 30 seconds left and Marcelinho Huertas killed Britain off from the line.

The ugly opening few minutes will not want to be remembered by either team. Freeland had to leave the court almost immediately after taking a blow from Anderson Varejao and Brazil built a quick 4-0 lead.

Dan Clark, who has been battling ankle problems since before the Games began, entered and gave Britain a spark with six quick points and Pops Mensah-Bonsu made it 8-4.