Swiss two points too good

Switzerland 59 Ireland 57

Ireland lost by a mere two points to Switzerland today in Geneva in the first of their European qualifier games. Although it was not the desired outcome, Ireland can be consoled that the score difference was small, which was Greg Gurr’s primary aim.

Ireland got off to a slow start and at the end of the first period trailed 11-15.

The boys in green had a better second quarter.

Although down seven points at the beginning of the period, Ireland rallied thanks to Chris Bracey, who was top scorer on six points for the quarter, and leveled the game 20-20 for the first time with six minutes left to the break.

Ireland went ahead by two thanks to two points from Burke, but Switzerland took the lead once more and when the half-time buzzer sounded Ireland were down three points, 29-32.

Pat Burke really upped his game in the third, as did Marty Conlon. Both were shooting and rebounding well. However, due to a lot of missed shots by the Irish side, they found themselves down by 12 points, 43-31, at one point in the quarter.

A three-pointer by McGrath and more scores from Burke cut the deficit to six by the end of the third, 41-47.

Burke shone in the fourth 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 lines 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 Burke to level the game bounced off the ring and the whistle blew.

Ireland will face Romania next weekend in game two at the National Basketball Arena. Tip-off is at 3.30pm.

Top scorers:

Pat Burke 14

Donnie McGrath 8

Jay Larranaga 8.