Yesterday we played the first game in the group phase of the Europe U21 Championship Tournament against the Netherlands. Since I am based here, it was my personal ambition to win this game. I believe we could have won it more clearly but we suffered for 3 quarters at the end of which we were 8 points behind, since I did not wanted to take any tactical risks.

The forth quarter did not start well as the Lions extended their lead to 10 points however, a rebound of Jamie Brown, who got him a double double, seemed to change everything, the look on his face told the story of a 1000 page novel. Immediately on that attack Danny O'Driscoll finds Robb Flaharthy who scores from the wing and gets the bonus, a free throw, as he was fouled. The 3 aforementioned players play fantastic the next 2 possessions defending outstanding and in the attacking end Robb is found converting a 3 point shot from the other side of his previous shot. 8-4 in the 4th and the dream of a comeback was lid.

With 4 minutes on the clock we were still 3 points behind but we failed to play good enough for several possessions. With 2 mins remaining the Lions got a 5 point lead and it seemed that things are over. Nevertheless we get back within 3 point margin but again we fail to defend and with 1:22 on the clock we are again 5 behind. Nick Sheely converts immediately and Jef Sweenlijk misses 2 free throws as the pressure gets to the maximum level. Seth Orr with his cool appearance scores with a jump shot, the Irish fans can not believe it but they have no time to express their joy as Corey MacCoughlan gets their blood boiling as he steels the ball and converts immediately. We have the lead with 18 secs on the clock. Is it over? No... the Dutch get a timeout and convert an inside shot with 9 secs renaming. Our turn to ask for a timeout, the seconds are approaching fast the 0 however a spin move from Nicky Sheely finds him free, he shoots and he scores at the buzzer, getting the Irish the first win this season.

A dramatic way to start the campaign, however we need to keep the good momentum for the next games with Israel and Denmark, teams better shaped than us, therefore it is imperial to give the selected players enough minutes and train them.

Go Ireland!

Last edited by Polux at 4/24/2018 4:18:54 PM

Last edited by Polux at 4/24/2018 4:19:10 PM

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