Ireland’s preparations for their upcoming EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifying campaign suffered a setback with a 74-59 friendly defeat to Armenia in Los Angeles. This fixture was always going to be a challenge for Michael Bree’s experimental selection, with six of his 12 players uncapped at senior level before this game tipped off. Four of them gained significant gametime in this tie. Ten of the squad arrived in California from Dublin just 48 hours beforehand, with Montreal-based Ben Stevens and Tiernan Stynes – who has just moved
to LA’s Cal State Fullerton – linking up with the side in America. Despite the defeat, Bree had reason for optimism ahead of competitive away games against North Macedonia on Thursday and Azerbaijan next Sunday. Stynes may have benefited from having travelled the least, but the six-foot-six guard still impressed when he came off the bench and capped his debut with 11 points. The 21-year-old finished the game behind Ireland’s top scorer Seán Flood (18), with Sam Alajiki registering nine points and debutant Victor Okojie
hitting eight. Bree’s men kept Armenia in their sights in the first half in LA, trailing by three at the end of the opening quarter (23-20) and four by half-time (39-35) before Armenia pulled away. Four of Armenia’s players scored in double-figures, with Chris Mitchell (16) leading the way and Yura Melikyan registering a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. Ireland will take lessons with them ahead of their EuroBasket pre-qualifier on Thursday as they try to lift themselves off the bottom of Group
A.
Ireland, Armenia, EuroBasket 2029, Michael Bree, Los Angeles, Tiernan Stynes, Seán Flood, Sam Alajiki, Victor Okojie, North Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Group A