Chance of European glory for Mayo's Dayna Finn

Ireland have booked their spot in the final of the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries after beating Kosovo 86-72 in a tight semi-final battle today.

It means Mayo native Dayna Finn, from Kiltimagh, has a chance of European glory with her team-mates.

The game, played in Nicosia, Cyprus, had Ireland trailing for three-quarters of contest after a strong opening quarter from Kosovo, which saw them lead 26-18. Ireland edged their way back into the semi-final, 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.

The teams were evenly matched in many respects, with Ireland’s field goal percentage of 40% (30/74) standing similar to Kosovo’s 42% (27/65). The teams also succeeded in making the same number of defensive rebounds, at 28 apiece. Ireland excelled in offensive rebounds, notching 16 to Kosovo’s nine. However, Kosovo impressed on free-throws, converting 100% of their 12 attempts, compared to Ireland’s 75% (15/20).

Scores from Finn, Gráinne Dwyer and Fiona Dywer, as well as free throws from Edel Thornton and Hannah Thornton, kept Ireland in the game during a first quarter that Kosovo dominated.

The tit-for-tat flow of the game continued in the second quarter, with rebounds aplenty. Although Ireland fared better in this quarter, Kosovo did extend their lead to 11 points at one point during these 10 minutes.

By the end of it the gap was just six (35-41), however, and Ireland narrowed it further in the third quarter, drawing within one point of Kosovo to trail by just a point, 54-55, going into the final period of play.

Finn excelled in this quarter, making a pair of free throws, a three-pointer and two assists, ably assisted by Fiona O’Dwyer and Sorcha Tiernan, who both shot three three-pointers apiece.

Although Ireland spent the majority of the game playing catch-up, the final score reflected their resilience and stamina across the court. They will face Luxembourg in tomorrow's final, which starts at 5 p.m. and 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).

Kosovo: Era Shatri (11), Alexis Renee Tolefree (16), Enisa Kamerolli (4), Ulpiana Emra (DNP), Irma Konjusha (3), Aulona Muhadri (2), Valbona Bytyqi Osmanaj (2), Marigona Rushiti (7), Saranda Daci (18), Arbnore Perquku (9), Astera Tuhina, Diedona Halitaj.