Ireland U16 women lose 94-40 to Slovakia in first game of Euros

Ireland’s U16’s were beaten 94-40 by tournament hosts Slovakia in their Group D opener at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Challengers on Wednesday.

Caitlin Gloeckner top scored for Ireland with 11 points, while Emma Gribben finished up with nine points, 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Ireland’s U16’s were only allowed to return to collective training on June 5th, so after a long hiatus without basketball this was an admirable performance. The team also had to contend with a late change of head coach, due to the Covid-19 enforced absence of Andy Gill, with Niall McDermott stepping up to the role, assisted by Orlaith Woods.

Ireland’s Under-16’s started brightly, 3-point jump shots from Emma Gribben and Aisling Moran helped them to an early 11-7 lead with a little over three minutes gone.

Midway through the quarter Slovakia went in front 12-11 through a Natalia Tomajkova layup and built a lead after that.

Allanah O’Connell’s 3-point jump shot in the final minute of the first quarter made it 21-16, but Slovakia picked up another five points in the closing seconds to lead by nine, 25-16, at the end of the quarter.

Ireland U16 head coach Niall McDermott gave us his thoughts following yesterday’s FIBA European Challengers loss to hosts Slovakia 📺🏀 #EuropeanChallengers pic.twitter.com/BHYo0arpKV

— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) August 12, 2021

The second quarter saw Ireland rally with four points within 20 seconds, through a Emma Gribben layup and Caitlin Gloeckner pullup jump shot four minutes into the quarter and trailed 35-21. However, by the break Slovakia had opened up a 21 point advantage, leading 46-25.

Slovakia were a physically imposing side with a definite height advantage and were ahead 68-38 going into the fourth quarter. Ireland continued to display hunger and desire in the final quarter and there are plenty of positives ahead of their next game against Israel on Thursday, which tips off at 4pm, Irish time. The game will be available to watch live online (Click here to watch).