Ireland edged in bid for Euro hoops berth

By Mark Jones

DUBLIN — Ireland’s hopes of reaching basketball’s European championship finals in 2003 receded when they were edged out by Croatia, 78-76, in a qualifying game in Dublin last Saturday.

If the Irish are to have any hope of making the cut, they need to defeat Macedonia today.

Croatia was understrength without Toni Kukoc and the rest of their NBA contingent. The Irish had a great opportunity to score a precious victory when they led going into the final quarter by 77-65.

Former NBA player Marty Conlon and Jay Larranaga each scored 21 points to lead Ireland. Tim Kennedy and Mike Mitchell each hit 11.