Ireland's hopes of reaching the play-offs of their European campaign were dashed on Wednesday night after a 77-68 defeat to Iceland.
The 'girls in green' trailed by 21 points at the beginning of the final quarter but produced a spirited comeback to lose by just nine points.
Helena Sverrisdóttir struck two early lay-ups to help the home side to an early 6-0 lead but Niamh Dwyer responded in typical fashion with a three pointer to reduce the arrears.
Michelle Aspell struck Ireland’s second three pointer in the closing stages of the first period but two jump shots in quick succession from Signý Hermannsdóttir resulted in Ireland trailing 12-16 at the end of the first quarter.
Iceland extended their advantage to nine points (14-23) within the opening three minutes of the second quarter with Sverrisdóttir’s three the highlight of their early scores.
Michelle Fahy gave Ireland some respite with two jump shots before Aspell made a driving lay-up to give Ireland further hope.
However, Iceland were proving tough to shake off and they lead by 10 points (25-35) at the interval despite Marie Breen’s three pointer in the closing seconds.
Sverrisdóttir’s driving lay-up maintained the ten-point gap in the early moments of the third quarter but Fahy struck a lay-up after some excellent work from Dwyer to help cut the deficit.
Gudrún Ámundadóttir struck a three in the closing seconds of the quarter to leave Iceland leading by 18 points (61-43) and leave Ireland facing an uphill struggle.
Iceland increased their lead to 21 points at the start of the fourth quarter with another three from Ámundadóttir hurting Ireland's cause.
Ireland refused to lie down and managed to create some hope when they enjoyed a period of seven unanswered points with Moran and Peat converting baskets.
However, free throws from Maria Erlingsdóttir put a halt to Ireland’s run but six points in quick succession from Peat and Kate Maher left 12 points between the sides with just under two minutes remaining.
Aspell maintained Ireland’s run with two free throws and a lay-up but the home side held on to record a 77-68 success.
