But coach Tom Maher was in an optimistic mood despite the defeat after the historic game, with the EuroBasket Women tournament lying ahead for his side next month.

"I think we are continuing to learn as a team and we have to because we can't rely on a superstar to come and save us," he said.

"I think we are at the stage now where we're building on our offensive rebounding, defensive transition, weak-side help and they are great things to have.

"We just don't have a rhythm yet and of course two of our best ball handlers weren't here today in Jo Leedham and Natalie Stafford, they are two players that can break people down.

"We still have a lot of positives from the game tonight and just have to keep moving forward."

After Kim Butler (pictured) had put Britain ahead, Coco Miller shot seven straight points and Atlanta surged into a 22-8 lead.

In the second quarter they fought back, limiting Dream to just two more points, but they could not get their attacking game going and were 39-19 behind at the interval.

There was a noticeable improvement in the third quarter but Miller took her scoring to 21 points to make up for the absence of a host of key players for Atlanta.

Butler was the leading British scorer with 12 points, five rebounds and an assist, whilst Azania Steward struck seven points, two assists and four rebounds.

Ros Mason also converted seven rebounds as the British side fought valiantly, but it was ultimately not enough against the impressive Americans.

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