Ireland U16 women defeated 102-39 by Israel in FIBA Challengers

Ireland’s U16 women fell to a 102-39 defeat against Israel in their second Group D encounter at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Challengers on Wednesday.

Isabelle Sweeney was one of Ireland’s leading lights with eight points, one rebound and two assists, while Shauna Curran had seven points and Emma Gribben notched up six.

Ireland settled in nicely in the opening exchanges, a Caitlin Gloeckner jump shot and a Emma Gribben driving layup had Ireland 4-2 ahead with a little over two minutes gone. The teams were tied at 8-8 midway through the first quarter, but Israel would take a 34-12 advantage going into the second quarter.

Ireland tested Israel in the second quarter, Rebecca Sexton downed a three point jump shot in the third minute of the quarter and followed with an assist for Isabelle McSweeney’s three-point jump shot, which saw Ireland trail 41-20.  A three-point jump shot by Shauna Curran in the final minute cut the deficit to 54-27 at half-time.

We caught up with Ireland U16 players Alannah O’Connell & Aisling Moran after today’s difficult encounter with Israel at the FIBA European Challengers

We hear from Ireland U16 players Alannah O’Connell & Aisling Moran after today’s difficult encounter with Israel at the FIBA European Challengers 🇮🇪🏀 #EuropeanChallengers pic.twitter.com/xLEw5ecBaw

— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) August 12, 2021

Israel, who overcame Switzerland 68-37 in their tournament opener, proved too strong and pulled away and led 83-35 by the end of the third quarter and would continue their momentum into the fourth quarter. Ireland’s next game is against Switzerland at 1pm on Friday.