Ireland lost 59-57 to Switzerland today in Geveva in the first of their European qualifier games.
Although it was not the desired outcome, Ireland can be consoled that the score difference will have been as close as possible.
Ireland got off to a slow start and at the end of the first period they trailed by 11-15.
The boys in green had a better second quarter and although down seven points at the beginning of the period, Ireland rallied thanks to Chris Bracey, who was top scorer on six points this quarter, and leveled the game 20-20 for the first time with six minutes left to the break.
Ireland went ahead thanks to two points by Burke but Switzerland took the lead once more and when the half-time buzzer sounded Ireland were down 29-32.
Pat Burke really upped his game in the third as did Marty Conlon, both were shooting well and rebounding well. However, due to a lot of missed shots by the Irish side, they found themselves down 43-31 at one point in the quarter.
A three-pointer by McGrath and more scores from Burke cut the deficit to six at the end of the third (41-47).
Pat Burke really shone in the 4th quarter, chipping in baskets when Ireland really needed them, including a three-pointer.
In the dying minutes, a lot of fouls were committed, which saw both teams on the line shooting free throws.
Ireland threw everything at the home side and were hot on their heels. With 17 seconds remaining, two free throws from Donnie McGrath put two points between the teams (59-57).
Soon he was laying up but missed and Ireland had possession again.
A quick shot with 0.7 of a second on the clock from Pat Burke to level the game bounced off the ring and the whistle blew.
Ireland will now face Romania next weekend in game two at the National Basketball Arena.
Final score: Ireland 57- 59 Switzerland
