Ireland using Pauw's tigers as EuroBasket inspiration

Ireland's senior women’s basketball team will attempt to channel the spirit of Vera Pauw's footballers when they take on the Netherlands in Sunday's FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Qualifier at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin (tip-off 5.15pm).

Head coach James Weldon has his team primed for a massive clash in front of a sell-out crowd.

Ireland were beaten 82-60 by the Dutch in Amsterdam a year ago and sit third in the three-team Group I, still chasing a first victory. The Czech Republic are top.

The group winners and four best runners-up will make it to the FIBA Women's EuroBasket Championship in Israel and Slovenia next June so Ireland need a result to give themselves a shot.

They have been boosted by the inclusion of two key performers for this test.

American-born Bridget Herlihy, who plays professionally with Mark Basket Marbo Kinna in Sweden, is in line to make her FIBA Women's EuroBasket debut, following an impressive bow at international level in the August friendlies against Estonia and Portugal.

And 32-year-old Orla O'Reilly returns after a 13-year absence. She's been playing in Australia but has been coaxed back by Weldon and brings a massive injection of experience and quality.

The vibes are good in the Irish camp ahead of a mouthwatering battle.

"I'm really excited," said Boston native Herlihy, who qualifies to play for Ireland through her grandparents. "It's been something I've been looking forward to for a while. I'm really glad I got to come out in the summer and meet the team, get used to the style of play. I think the team really gelled together well.

"We just have to try and match their physicality. They are a big team so we have to use our size as well and not let them dictate the pace, play our game of