Inside Basketball: Dutch three-point knack breaks Irish hearts

Outside shooting has long been an achilles heel of Irish teams internationally and it’s something we will have to figure out as a nation.

AGONISING: Dayna Finn of Ireland attempts a buzzer beater during the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifier match between Ireland and Netherlands at National Basketball Arena in Dublin. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Heartbreak for Ireland’s senior women 

The margins are so small in international basketball and James Weldon’s squad unfortunately got a dramatic reminder of that. Ireland’s aggression set a platform for a first win since returning to Eurobasket qualification last year. The Netherlands, missing two key starters, looked shellshocked by the Irish intensity and never managed to catch their breath in the opening 20 minutes. Staggeringly, the Netherlands had more turnovers (18) and fouls (15) than points (14). But a second half resurgence by the experienced Dutch overturned a 20-point deficit as they won 59-56. Increasing the pressure while dialing down the fouling was the difference for the Dutch whose athleticism eventually took its toll on Ireland.