'We’re targeting the win' - Ireland ready for Women’s EuroBasket qualifier against Israel
NEXT UP: Enya Maguire celebrates with Michelle Clarke. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor.
Ireland head coach James Weldon has backed his side to make it two wins in a row in their FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2027 qualification campaign when they face Israel on Tuesday evening.
Ireland produced an impressive performance to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are ranked 29th in the world, 94-67 on Saturday at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin, to put themselves in contention to qualify for the second round of FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers.
The winners and runners up from each of the seven first round groups will advance, along with the three best-ranked third-placed teams.
Ireland currently sit third in Group A, level on points with second-placed Luxembourg, who they lost to last Wednesday on a scoreline of 53 to 69.
Next up for the Girls in Green is a crucial clash against Israel, who have won both their games so far, with tip-off set for 6pm on Tuesday evening in Riga, Latvia.
The fixture was initially scheduled to take place in Israel, but Basketball Ireland confirmed in a statement that they would only play the game if it was held in a neutral venue.
"After extensive deliberation with various stakeholders, the Board of Basketball Ireland has decided that Ireland will compete in the upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers.
"Mindful of the dreadful humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Board seriously considered all options available, including a withdrawal from the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers.
"Ultimately it is not individual federations, such as Basketball Ireland, who determine who is permitted to enter and play international tournaments, it is the responsibility of FIBA Europe and other international sporting bodies.
"Whilst we fully acknowledge the tragic events of October 7th, 2023, Basketball Ireland is deeply concerned with the ongoing suffering being faced by the people of Gaza and has raised this with FIBA Europe.
“We have also informed FIBA Europe that we will only face Israel in a neutral venue,” they said following the draw back in August.
It is believed that Fiba Europe are set to discuss suspending Israel at its board meeting in Serbia on Friday but a ban looks unlikely given Uefa recently decided against such a move as talks of a peace had been planned.
But speaking ahead of the match, Weldon is targeting back-to-back wins to boost their chances of qualification.
“The girls were excellent in every facet of the game on Saturday, and it was great to put in a performance like that in front of our fans, who created an amazing atmosphere in a packed National Basketball Arena,” said Weldon.
“Now we’re looking to back that up on Tuesday. It will be a difficult task, they’ve won both their games, but we’re going into the game with plenty of confidence following the win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“If we can match our intensity on the boards and get our offense right to put up a good score, then we should be there or thereabouts.
“We’re targeting the win, which would put us in a great position to qualify from the group.”
Ireland 53-69 Luxembourg
Ireland 94-67 Bosnia and Herzegovina.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
