Ireland advance to Euro semis in Kosovo

James O’Connor

Limerick sharp-shooter Nate Moore hit eight three pointers as Ireland’s U18 basketballers beat Moldova (87-70) to book their place in the FIBA European Championship semi-final in Kosovo.

Ireland are four games unbeaten in the tournament, and now face a semi-final against home favourites Kosovo on Saturday evening.

Ireland stamped their authority on the fixture early on, and efficient scoring from Moore, Eoin Nelson and Galway’s Paul Kelly gave them a 30-13 lead at the end of the first.

Jay Kavanagh and Cillian O’Driscoll got in on the act in the second as Ireland continued to assert their dominance, and despite a 20-point quarter from Moldova, they maintained a 49-33 point lead going into half-time.

The third and fourth quarters followed in the same fashion as Moore continued to fire home big threes, and scores from Oisin Rice, Conor Liston and Darragh O’Sullivan drove Ireland over the finishing line in style to top their group and book a semi-final spot.

Speaking afterwards, head coach Paul Kelleher stated: “That was a nice win today and we’re very happy with the result. Our goal was to top the group, and now we’re into a semi-final. It’s a high standard tournament, we’ve had to fight for everything.

"Now we’re facing the home nation on Saturday — it’s a hostile crowd with TV, so it’ll be a big occasion for us.”

IRELAND: P Kelly (6), J Kavanagh (6), N Moore (24), J Connaire (6), C O’Driscoll (6), D Murray (32), E McCann (6), D O’Sullivan (13), O Rice (11), C Liston (3), M Harper (inj.), E Nelson (6).