Luxembourg Wins FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries

Luxembourg brought home the gold medal at the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries at the weekend.

The Luxembourg women's national team secured their second title at the Championship after defeating Ireland 69-59 during Sunday's final in Nicosia, Cyprus. Prior to the game, both teams were undefeated.

In a balanced first half, Luxembourg had a 32-22 lead early in the second quarter but Ireland fought back and the score was tied at the break (41-41). Nine players scored for the Luxembourg Basketball Federation (FLBB) squad in the first 20 minutes, whilst eight different players scored for Ireland in the first two quarters. 

In the second half, Luxembourg took over the game and won the third quarter 17-5. Ireland continued to fight but failed to narrow the deficit further, ultimately finishing as runners-up for the fifth time at the Championship. 

Luxembourg celebrated their second title, going one step further than they managed in 2016.

Luxembourg: Lisa Brigitta Jablonowski (11); Magaly Meynadier (7); Nadia Mossong (12); Catherine Mreches (10); Michelle Orban (4); Svenia Nurenberg (3); Laure Marie Paule Diederich (did not play); Julija Vujakovic (7); Michelle Dittgen (did not play); Anne Simon (4); Estelle Marie Muller; Esmerelda Skrijelj (11).

Ireland: Michelle Clarke (1); Aine McKenna (did not play); Dayna Finn (17); Claire Rockall; Rachel Huijsdens (11); Gráinne Dwyer (5); Edel Thornton (3); Fiona O’Dwyer (7); Claire Melia (7); Hannah Thornton; Sorcha Tiernan (6); Aine O’Connor (2).