Chicago Bulls star Deng scored 29 points to lead all scorers and former Dallas Maverick Pops Mensah-Bonsu added 15 and, in another towering defensive performance, took 11 rebounds, before an enthusiastic crowd of 2,523.

 

With Israel losing 91-70 to the Czech Republic in the other game in the group, Britain will travel to Liverpool for Saturday's return tie with Israel knowing a win would keep them top of the group with just two games - both on the road - remaining.

 

Victories would see them qualify for the European Championship finals in Poland next year for the first time since 1981 and greatly boost their chances of qualifying for the 2012 Olympics.

 

Britain's coach Chris Finch said that his side were in a good place after this latest victory but there was still a long way to go.

 

He said: "We're in a nice position but we're only half-way through and we've had the advantage of a couple of home games.

 

"I know there is going to be a lot of twists and turns in these situations and we have to make sure we don't get stung."