The Irish Women’s Under 18 squad claimed their first win of the FIBA Europe Under 18 European Championships with a 78 to 47 point win over Albania.
Sarah Kenny got the girls in green off the mark with three baskets from play off the fast break, and helped to drive Ireland into a 24-8 point win at the end of the first.
An injured Olivia Dupuy – who had sustained a broken finger – powered through the pain to come back and kick off yet more fast breaks as seven different Irish players got on the scoreboard in the opening 10 minutes.
Game time! Follow Ireland vs Albania #FIBAU18Europe live at http://t.co/NSmYfgS7IX #LockUpGreen pic.twitter.com/tziPB9ft65
— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) August 5, 2015
Albania fought back in the second quarter, but good shooting from Hayley Lenihan and Catherine Connaire kept Ireland’s scoreboard ticking over, while Verity O’Connor capped an 11-0 run from the line as Ireland led 47-20.
The momentum stayed with Ireland in the second half, adding another 20 points in quarter three, and with the result beyond doubt going into the last, Ireland had to dig deep to hold off a late Albania onslaught.
Speaking afterwards, head coach Tommy O’Mahony acknowledged it hadn’t been an easy game.
“It was a hard-fought win,” he admitted.
“They couldn’t really handle our full-court press. In the third quarter we seemed to drop to their level but it was important to give everyone game time.”
Meanwhile Julie Milroy added: “This is a new tournament for us now. We’ve three games left and one win down. The girls are eager and ready to go.
“We’re all delighted with our first win and looking forward to facing Iceland and Cyprus.”
Ireland: Anna Maguire, Hayley Lenihan (6), Kelly Diggin (12), Verity O’Connor (16), Sarah Kenny (15).
Substitutes: Saoirse Power-Cassidy, Julie Milroy (2), Catherine Connaire (8), Olivia Dupuy (11), Aisling McCann (6), Tia Kelly Stevens (2). DNP: Aine McDonagh.
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