The Irish 3×3 basketball team have bowed out of the Women’s 3×3 competition at the European Games in Baku following a tough and closely contested quarter final on Thursday.
The side went head-to-head with top seeds Russia in the last eight clash and kept spectators on the edge of their seats with a superb performance on the day.
Ireland’s Gráinne Dwyer and Marila Cherepanova of Russia.
The teams were level on 7 points apiece midway through the game when Gráinne Dwyer pulled off a clean block and Niamh Dwyer drained the follow-up.
Unfortunately, a late surge from the Russian side allowed them to claim a 21-15 point victory.
Speaking afterwards, Niamh Dwyer reflected: “I’m disappointed we gave up the 21 points against them because we were right in the thick of it the whole game.”
Ireland’s Orla O’Reilly in action.
“They just caught us with a bit more experience but it’s the quarter-finals of the European Olympic Games and we’ve earned the respect of everyone over here. We can be proud.”
Captain Suzanne Maguire said: “I never thought I’d put on an Ireland jersey after I left many years ago but it’s been nothing but a joy for me to do it again.
“It’s probably one of the highlights of my basketball career.”
Ireland’s Orla O’Reilly and Marila Cherepanova of Russia.
The talented side have certainly given Ireland something to cheer about over the last few days, with a win over Slovakia on Wednesday evening securing them a battle with the Czech Republic on Wednesday afternoon.
The women in green pulled off a hugely impressive 17-13 win over the Czech side ensuring them a quarter-final showdown with the Russians.
Proud to be Irish.
“I feel a little sad that we’ve finished, but the overall experience has been amazing,” said Gráinne Dwyer.
“A lot of people thought we’d no chance against the Czechs and we beat them in style. As for the Russians, I think we really shook them up,” she concluded.
Images via INPHO/SportsFile
