Physical Ireland unable to master fluid Norway at Basketball Arena

The visitors took the win in the Summer Series clash

Ireland's Jordan Blount and Milovan Savic of Norway. Pic: Laszlo Geczo, Inpho

Ireland 79 Norway 87 

A physically imposing effort from Ireland’s men’s basketball team wasn’t enough as they fell to Norway in a nailbiter in Dublin.

It was a rough start for Ireland as Harald Eika Frey led a fluid Norway attack. The guard, who plays for Bilbao in Spain’s top flight, pulled the strings while Sivert Nordheim took advantage of the space from deep. The visitors quickly took command in the first quarter, building up a 9 point lead inside of 3 minutes.

A Sean Flood steal and score roused the home fans as Ireland finally woke up in the middle of the quarter. An and-one play by Jordan Blount brought the game back to within a single possession. Ireland looked more comfortable as the first quarter closed, but Norway still led 28-21.

Ireland were able to dictate the flow of play more at the start of the second. Flood, Jordan Blount, and Sam Alajiki tested the Norwegian interior. Their efforts paid off as Blount gave Ireland the lead for the first time midway through the quarter. The hosts kept the pressure up to lead 45-42 at the half.

The physical approach from Ireland continued upon the resumption. Points however were at a premium and a Frey three helped Norway take charge again. Sloppy finishing cost Ireland some quality chances. At the end of the third, Norway led 59-55.

The start of the fourth could have been played in a phone booth. Space was in short supply but a pair of threes from William Kruse gave Norway some breathing room. Frey stretched the lead further from deep as Norway looked to see it out. Some late heroics from Flood gave Ireland hope but it was enough come the final buzzer.

IRELAND: Sean Flood, Cian Heaphy, Adrian O’Sullivan, James Hannigan, David Lehane, Rapolas Buivydas, Conor Quinn, Sean Jenkins, Jordan Blount, James Gormley, Max Amadasun, Sam Alajiki.

NORWAY: Jørgen Odfjell, Andrija Biatancic, Lars Espe, Harald Eika Frey, Sivert Nordheim, Stian Mjøs, Ludvik Bergseng, Lars Nilsen, Hallvard Venstad Staff, Amund Bratass Morin, Milovan Savic, William Kruse, Aksel Berg, Johannes Lange.