Rachel Huijsdens (back left) and the Irish players celebrate the win against Kosovo today.

Huijsdens helps Ireland to Euro basketball final

Published: Sat 24 Jul 2021, 7:49 PM

Meath's 2017 Young Sportsperson of the Year Rachel Huijsdens helped Ireland to the final of the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries in Cyprus today.

Huijsdens scored 10 points as the Irish beat Kosovo 86-72 in a tight semi-final played in Nicosia.

Ireland trailed for three-quarters of the contest after a strong opening quarter from Kosovo, which saw them lead 26-18.

Ireland edged their way back outscoring their opponents in each of the remaining quarters and a strong final quarter saw them pull clear by the time the end buzzer sounded.

Ireland will face either Luxembourg or Malta in the final tomorrow, Sunday 25th July, at 5pm.

The game will be live streamed on the FIBA YouTube channel.

Ireland - Michelle Clarke, Aine McKenna, Dayna Finn (14), Claire Rockall, Rachel Huijsdens (10), Gráinne Dwyer (6), Edel Thornton (2), Fiona O’Dwyer (20), Claire Melia (13), Hannah Thornton (2), Sorcha Tiernan (19), Aine O’Connor (DNP)