Ireland Kicks Off Vital Qualifier Window with Impressive Win: Match Recap and Highlights

Ireland achieved a clear 91-67 victory over Azerbaijan at the National Basketball Arena. This win is crucial for advancing in the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. After losing their first two matches in February, Ireland aims to secure maximum points in two essential games this month.

Sean Flood, Ireland’s captain, led the team with 28 points. Ireland is currently second in Group A, trailing Switzerland but tied on points with Azerbaijan. Switzerland will face Kosovo later tonight.

The top team from each of the three pre-qualifier groups will progress to the next phase, along with the best second-placed team. Ireland’s next challenge is against Kosovo on Sunday.

Head coach Mark Keenan praised the strong start, as Ireland led 23-12 after the first quarter. “Starting strong set the tone for the whole game,” Keenan noted after the 24-point victory. Neal Quinn and Jordan Blount each contributed 13 points to the win.

Ireland Scoring:

• Sean Flood: 28
• Jordan Blount: 13
• Neal Quinn: 13
• Conor Quinn: 8
• Aidan Harris-Igiehon: 6
• Paul Dick: 4
• Matt Treacy: 3
• Roy Downey: 5
• Adrian O’Sullivan: 0
• David Lehane: 0
• Rapolas Buivydas: 2
• John Carroll: 9

Azerbaijan Scoring:

• Jordan Davis: 25
• Orhan Haciyeva: 10
• Zaur Pashayev: 6
• Ulas Turgut: 5
• Amil Hamzayev: 3
• Kamran Mammadov: 2
• Shirzad Shirzadov: 4
• Elshad Shirzadov: 0
• Jabrayil Akbarov: DNP

Ireland aims to continue this success in their upcoming match against Kosovo.