Ireland outclassed by Luxembourg in EuroBasket Women's qualification opener

NOTHING BUT NET: Ireland's Bridget Herlihy and Luxembourg's Liz Irthum. Pic: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott.

EuroBasket Women Qualifying: Ireland 53 Luxembourg 69

A fourth quarter surge put a gloss on the final scoreline but Ireland were utterly outclassed by an impressive Luxembourg team. The women from the Grand Duchy took command early and never looked troubled as they took victory in this opening game of EuroBasket Women qualification.

Magaly Meynadier signalled her side’s intent from the off, with a corner three from the opening possession. Claire Melia would respond in kind from deep straight after but that was the last time Ireland would be level throughout the encounter.

From the off, Luxembourg looked far more comfortable creating shots and they raced into a 14-7 lead midway through the first quarter, forcing a timeout from Ireland coach James Weldon.

Things didn’t improve for the hosts throughout the remainder of the first period, and it was only some profligate finishing from Luxembourg that kept the game from getting out of hand in the first 10 minutes.

Holding a 21-11 lead entering the second, Luxembourg weathered the early storm from Ireland. There was plenty of aggression but little in the way of order from Ireland. A Sarah Hickey three brought some life to the performance.

Foul trouble however cost Ireland dearly as Luxembourg maintained their cushion from the free throw line before easing into a commanding 37-21 lead at the break.

Anne Simon was the source of most of Ireland’s ills as she found ways to hurt the hosts in every part of the court. She was ably supported by Dionne Madjo on the inside as Luxembourg ended any thoughts of an Irish comeback with authority in the third quarter.

The lack of scoring options for Ireland cost them, with only a handful of players getting on the scoreboard while the game was there to be won.

With Ireland managing just 2 points in the opening 8 minutes of the third quarter, Weldon’s focus clearly shifted to Saturday’s clash with Bosnia. Lorraine Scanlon was introduced and the defensive set-up switched to a zone approach.

Luxembourg, who were unlucky not to qualify for this past summer’s EuroBasket, held a 52-26 lead entering the final frame. The visitors understandably eased up slightly, with their bench being emptied to give more players opportunity.

Ireland in turn rallied substantially. A 27-point fourth quarter was more than the previous three combined. Bronagh Power-Cassidy, making her senior debut for Ireland after a successful college career in the US, was successful repeatedly from deep, while Scanlon continued to impress.

While the visitors may have eased off in the fourth, they never looked remotely in trouble. The furious final frame from Ireland made the final scoreline look palatable but James Weldon and his team will know much more is needed on Saturday.

Ireland welcome Bosnia & Herzegovina to Dublin for that battle, with both sides seeking their first win in the campaign.

Ireland scorers

Michelle Clarke (4), Kate Hickey (DNP), Sarah Hickey (6), Hazel Finn (10), Enya Maguire (2), Edel Thornton (0), Abigail Rafferty (1), Claire Melia (9), Bridget Herlihy (7), Sorcha Tiernan (0), Lorraine Scanlon (5), Bronagh Power-Cassidy (9).

Teams

Ireland: Michelle Clarke, Kate Hickey, Sarah Hickey, Hazel Finn, Enya Maguire, Edel Thornton, Abigail Rafferty, Claire Melia, Bridget Herlihy, Sorcha Tiernan, Lorraine Scanlon, Bronagh Power Cassidy.

Luxembourg: Anne Simon, Svenia Nurenburg, Magaly Meynadier, Kyra Coulon, Catherine Mreches, Liz Irthum, Laetitia Schumacher, Dionne Madjo, Sofie Olsen, Joyce Iti Estute, Alana Krings, Julie Mangen.