Ireland U16 women defeated 57-46 by Luxembourg

Ireland pushed Luxembourg to the limit in their final game at the FIBA Women’s U16 Challengers, before eventually losing out 57-46.

Rachel Bowdren top scored with 10 points, while Aisling Moran and Isabelle McSweeney had 8 points.

Ireland trailed by just a point at the end of the first quarter, 14-13, thanks to a couple of McSweeney free throws in the final seconds.

The second quarter was another close affair, two and a half minutes in a three point step back jump shot from Aisling Moran had Ireland in front, 19-16. A minute later she unleashed a three point jump shot and Ireland’s advantage was four points, 22-18. Luxembourg managed to regain the lead and Sila Skrijelj three point turnaround jump shot meant they led 31-26 at the break.

A Rachel Bowdren three point jump shot had Ireland level at 36-36 with three and a half minutes left in the third quarter. Ireland outscored their opponents 10-9 in the quarter and would go into the final quarter trailing 40-36.

Luxembourg pulled away in the final quarter, the prolific Faith Ehi Etute was proving hard to contain, she finished with a 24 point haul. It was a brilliant battling display from Ireland’s U16’s, who saved their best performance for last.