Azerbaijan 70-76 Ireland
Ireland wrapped up their FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifying campaign with a 76-70 win against Azerbaijan in Baku, recovering from a 15-point first-half deficit to give head coach Michael Bree a first win on the road.
Sean Flood caught fire in the second half to finish with a 25-point haul on the night Ballincollig Basketball Club’s Adrian O’Sullivan hit a milestone 50 appearances for his country, leading the team out in a hostile atmosphere in the South Caucasus.
After going down by 15 points in the second quarter, Ireland dug deep to come away six-point winners.
Sam Alajiki followed up his 20-point performance against North Macedonia with a 19-point display against Azerbaijan, while Ben Stevens clocked 11 points from the post.
The win is not enough for Ireland to advance to the next phase of FIBA EuroBasket 2029 qualifying – that fate was confirmed in Skopje on Thursday – but it shouldn’t take the gloss of an important win for the programme.
“I’m really, really proud of all the younger boys on the team,” said Adrian O’Sullivan, who won his 50th cap in Baku.
“It’s their first away win in their first or second cap. I’m just really proud of their effort and their grit. There’s some great young players around and the future’s definitely bright. If that’s it from me, then what a way to go out. I’m really happy for the staff and incredibly grateful for the opportunity as always.”