Ireland fall to Switzerland 74-36 at U16 Women's European Challengers

The Swiss came into the game after defeating Romania 63-54 yesterday afternoon, and hoped to carry that momentum into today's game.

Despite Switzerland pulling out a 10-2 lead early in the first quarter, Ireland pulled it back to 17-17 with just over a minute left. A late quarter offensive push from Switzerland lead to them holding the lead 20-18 going into the first break. The second quarter saw Switzerland begin to dominate at both ends of the court, and outscored Ireland 24-5. The big second quarter drive from Switzerland gave them a 44-23 lead at the half.

The third quarter started as the second half had played out, with N’Na Dinimba Konata of Switzerland blocking an Aisling Moran shot and winning possession for her side. Ireland continued to battle though, and held Switzerland to just 12 points in the quarter, but Ireland could only put six past the Swiss. Switzerland continued their scoring throughout the final quarter, and managed to pull out a 74-36 lead by the end of the game.

Rebecca Sexton lead the Irish team in scoring with eight points along with two rebounds, while Caitlin Gloeckner chipped in with 6 points and 6 rebounds. Despite Ireland amassing 12 steals and 25 defensive rebounds, a strong second quarter and the offensive powers of Sharline Hulliger and Jade Marie Krummenacher, with 14 points each, proved too much for Ireland.

Ireland U16 assistant coach Orlaith Woods speaks after the team played their 3rd round today at the FIBA European Challengers

Ireland U16 assistant coach Orlaith Woods speaks after the team played their 3rd round today at the FIBA European Challengers 🏀🎙 #EuropeanChallengers pic.twitter.com/GHQmJzwLMT

— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) August 13, 2021

Ireland U16 players Rachel Lynch and Emma Gribben give their post match interview after facing Switzerland today.

Ireland U16 players Rachel Lynch of @SvSingleton and Emma Gribben of @LkennyBlaze give their post match interview after facing Switzerland today 🎙🏀 #EuropeanChallengers pic.twitter.com/18q8Q9yRs9

— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) August 13, 2021

Ireland will next face Romania on Sunday at 4pm Irish time. Romania come into the game on the back of two losses, following a win in their first game.