Ireland 56 Sweden 63

In the final game of the Group stages the Irish U 18 Men’s team had yet another close fought game against Sweden. The boys in green came out ready to battle from the start. Playing some of the best team defense of the tournament  and controlling their defensive boards the entire half. Stephen Tummon & Daniel James led the way offensively with some excellent penetration, while Daniel O’Sullivan controlled the game from the point. Scores were traded throughout the first quarter with Sweden leading 14-13 at the end. 

The second quarter was an intense affair with the lead changing 5 times. Ireland’s Conor James and Alex Schmidt contributed well in this quarter scoring 9 of the 14 points between them. However it was a poor 3point shot percentage 2 for 10 that did not allow Ireland to break away as the Swedish team lead 29-27 at half time. 

Ireland’s Daniel O’Sullivan, Daniel James and Stephen Tummon kept the game within their reach as again baskets were traded by both teams. Ireland were still doing a superb job defensively as the Swedish could not penetrate the zone pressure. There was still only a couple of points between the team with Sweden holding on 43-41 at the end of the third quarter.

The first 2 minutes of the Fourth quarter saw Sweden go on a 7-0 run to lead 50-41 which Ireland were never able to recover from as again they struggled from the 3pt line. Ciaran O’Sullivan & Daniel O’Sullivan battled hard to try and reduce the deficit but some great perimeter shooting by the Swedish team saw the run out winners 63-56.

Ireland now face England, Hungary and Norway for final rankings.

Top scorers Ireland
Daniel James 16
Conor James 10
Stephen Tummon 10