Coach: 'Crunch time' for Irish basketball

Ireland’s senior men departed for Geneva yesterday in preparation for their European Championship encounter with Switzerland tomorrow night.

Although they thrashed Malta last Saturday night at the National Basketball Arena, this game will be nothing like the last as Ireland comes up against much stronger opposition.

Switzerland are on form after beating the Slovak Republic on Saturday last and so they will be looking to keep their winning ways especially as they play on home turf.

Coach Gerry Fitzpatrick said: "These next two games are must win games, we have an enormous task ahead of us, tomorrow nights game is crunch time.

"If we win tomorrow night then it is a straight final on Saturday but if we lose, Saturday will pose a different situation altogether."

If Ireland lose, they need to lose by the least amount possible, as it will go down to efficiency rating and points difference to decide who is top of the table.

Switzerland is currently .89 (-22), Slovakia is 1.07 (+8) and Ireland is 1.03 (+14), under 1 meaning less efficient.

If Switzerland were to qualify, they would need to beat Ireland by more than 20 points and hope that Ireland lose against the Slovak Republic.

Ireland have been training heavily since their departure to Geneva, with a gruelling session last night and this morning.

Ireland got the opportunity to rest players such as Cal Bowlder, Pat Burke and Jim Moran on Saturday last so all are well rested and in tip top shape for the game.

Ireland is currently top of the table but that may all change tomorrow night. The game is to tip-off at 19:00 Irish time