Since stepping up from Small Countries level in , Ireland are still seeking their first win in the EuroBasket qualifiers. Pic: Harry Murphy, Sportsfile. Winning just once would be enough for Edel Thornton. We spoke about the idea of playing against each other with our national teams when we were in college. Thornton and Strautmane guided Quinnipiac to three appearances in the NCAA Tournament while in college, but getting a win this weekend would mean a lot to the Ireland captain.
We want people to enjoy watching us play. Ireland only made the step up from the Small Countries level of play in the qualifying campaign. A winless run there, including a heartbreaking loss to the Netherlands in the final game of that campaign, followed by going winless so far in this campaign means Thornton and her teammates are seeking a maiden win at this level. If we can get that first win under our belt, the sky's the limit. The Brunell star missed both the last qualifying window and the summer internationals through injury but is eager to get back in action in the Ireland jersey this week.
Her first game back for Ireland could hardly come against a tougher opponent. France are ranked third in the world, with medals at each of the last eight editions of EuroBasket in addition to the Olympic silver they won in Paris. France comfortably won the return fixture in Dublin in November of and will be overwhelming favourites on Thursday.
Thornton and her teammates are keen to use the France game as preparation for the big task at hand on Sunday in Dublin. Latvia beat an understrength Irish team in Riga last year. By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.
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