Basketball: Battling Ireland come up short against North Macedonia

Michael Bree’s men fall to 0-2 in their EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifying group.

Taiwo Badmus of Ireland at full stretch during the FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers Group A match between Ireland and North Macedonia at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualification: Ireland 76 North Macedonia 88 

Sam Alajiki’s heroics weren’t enough as Ireland fell to a strong North Macedonia side in Dublin. Alajiki had 26 points and 10 rebounds in a sensational performance but Michael Bree’s men still fell to 0-2 in their EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifying group.