Ireland no match for France in EuroBasket qualifiers

Ireland 48-100 France

Ireland were well beaten by France in today's FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers opener at the National Basketball Arena.

Ireland initially put it up to their illustrious opponents, who are seventh in the world rankings, and trailed by just a point at the end of the first quarter. However, a commanding second quarter put France in control of proceedings and they never looked back.

Ireland made a brilliant start, matching France both offensively and defensively in the opening quarter. Claire Melia, chosen as captain due to the absence of the injured Edel Thornton, got Ireland off the mark 2’20 into the game to trail 5-2.

Jessica Scannell, playing her first game for Ireland since 2009 and making her FIBA Women’s EuroBasket debut, landed a pair of threes and after a Melia layup Ireland were in front 10-9 in the seventh minute. Ireland kept pace with their opponents, Sorcha Tiernan landed a lovely three from out left and was fouled in the process late in the quarter, she converted the free throw to see Ireland trail 18-17 by the end of the first quarter.

A third three from Scannell in the opening minute of the second quarter saw Ireland within a point once more, 21-20. France responded with back-to-back threes from Leila Lacan and Maia Hirsch to open up a 27-20 lead. France continued to build a score and were 49-23 up by half time, capped by a buzzer beating three from the corner by Mamignan Toure, who finished with a game-high 20 points.

Kara McCleane came on during the second quarter for her international debut, while Kate Hickey and Lauryn Homan made EuroBasket debuts in the quarter, with Annaliese Murphy appearing in the third for her EuroBasket bow.

Sorcha Tiernan started the third quarter with a