Ireland’s Senior Women’s basketball squad finished their first campaign in seven years with a silver medal as they lost out to Malta in the final of the FIBA European Championships For Small Countries in Gibraltar.
Malta’s 67-59 win was their third in the last five tournaments, but they had to come from behind against an Irish side who put together a stunning first half of basketball.
“We had them at half time,” said head coach Mark Scannell. “We were doing all the things that we were really good at and we just came out flat for the second half.”
Five three-pointers in the first quarter alone had Ireland up 27-19. The triples came from Aine McKenna, Sarah Woods, Michelle Clarke and a brace from Danielle O’Leary and though Malta were starting to match up well, the lead was pushed out to 39-29 at the break.
Malta showed their quality to level the game within six minutes of the restart and take a 51-50 lead into the final quarter.
“It was a bit of a struggle trying to get that momentum going again in the final quarter,” said Scannell. “In fairness they never gave up but Malta’s professional players made some big shots when the game was on the line.”
“I’m very proud. It’s been some effort this week. We’ll learn a lot from it and Ireland will come back stronger.”
Ireland’s men missed out on a bronze medal on their return to European action, losing 60-53 to San Marino in Chisinau.
Two successes from 26 three-point attempts hurt Ireland’s chances of reeling in a deficit down the stretch.
San Marino took over with back-to-back threes and pulled off a spectacular alley-oop to swing momentum firmly in their favour. The Irish challenge ultimately faded as they failed to score in the last 3:45 of the game.
