Ireland lose 125-24 to Olympic silver medallists France in FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers

Ireland were defeated 125-24 by Olympic silver medallists France in Chalon Sur Saône on Thursday in Group E of FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.

Ireland’s task was always going to be difficult against a side ranked third in the world - they had eight of the 12 players who lost by a single point to the USA in last year’s Olympic final in their squad against Ireland. France certainly showed their class throughout, racing to 37-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. One of those players Valeriane Ayayi with eight points and three rebounds, but the scoring was evenly spread, making Ireland’s defensive task all the more difficult. Ireland’s opening quarter points came courtesy of a pair of Claire Melia layups and a trio of free throws from Hazel Finn. 

France got to 50 midway through the second quarter following Carla Leite’s driving layup, to lead 50-8. Ireland responded positively, with a Michelle Clarke layup and free throws from Melia and Finn, however Ireland trailed 64-16 at half-time. France were proving ruthless from the three point line – Mamignan Toure and Janelle Salaun among those to convert in the closing stages of the quarter to help them to their sizeable lead.

Ireland captain Edel Thornton made her international return against France after recovering from an ACL injury.

France didn’t relent and began the third quarter with a 21 point run, a corner three from Iliana Rupert ending that sequence. A Melia layup snapped France’s scoring, however France’s riposte was swift with Pauline Astier’s three point jump shot seconds later. The home side would lead 98-18 by the end of the third.

Kate Hickey in action for Ireland in their FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers game with France.

A corner three by Salaun opened proceedings for France in the fourth quarter as they continued with their high tempo. Áine O’Connor landed a nice hook shot after she fashioned some space for herself with three and a half minutes to go, trailing 116-20. A long range three from Leila Lacan appeared to have wrapped up proceedings, before Sorcha Tiernan drained from even further out with the final play.

Ireland head coach James Weldon said: “We came up against a juggernaut tonight unfortunately. They were just exceptionally good, but our team kept playing and that’s all you can ask. It’s just very much on the night a huge gulf in class and they showed why they almost won the gold medal in the Olympics. That’s the calibre of talent they have in their group at the moment. But look we have to regroup, we’ve got a big game on Sunday in the National Basketball Arena, it’s a sold out Arena and we’ve got to take pride and go play with pride on Sunday. 

Ireland conclude their Group E campaign against Latvia on Sunday, tipping off at 5pm, a game which is live on the TG4 Player and App.

Quarter Scores:

Q1: 35-7, Q2: 29-9, Q3: 34-2, Q4: 27-6

Game Scores:

Q1: 35-7, Q2: 64-16, Q3: 98-18, Q4: 125-24

Ireland:

Michelle Clarke (2), Kate Hickey (0), Sarah Hickey (0), Hazel Finn (7), Lauryn Homan (0), Edel Thornton (0), Abigail Rafferty (1), Claire Melia (9), Bridget Herlihy (DNP), Sorcha Tiernan (3), Amy Dooley (0), Áine O’Connor (2).

France:

Marine Fauthoux (4), Valeriane Ayayi (16), Iliana Rupert (15), Janelle Salaun (19), Dominique Malonga (11), Carla Leite (13), Marieme Badiane (13), Mamignan Toure (8), Maeva Djaldi Tabdi 2(), Leila Lacan (8), Romane Bernies (2), Pauline Astier (14).

FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers Group E Result

Thursday 6th February 2025

France 125-24 Ireland

FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers Group E Fixture

Sunday 9th February 2025  

Ireland v Latvia, National Basketball Arena, 5pm (Live on TG4 Player and App)