Moen magic silences hosts; Denmark stun defending champions
CORK (FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries) - Tina Moen has put a dampener on host Ireland's opening night ambitions; whilst Denmark have sent a message of intent with a clinical opener.
CORK (FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries) - Tina Moen has put a dampener on host Ireland's opening night ambitions; whilst Denmark have sent a message of intent with a clinical opening victory over defending champions, Malta.
A sold-out Mardyke Arena greeted hosts Ireland on Tuesday evening, but they would go home despondent, thanks to a clinical display from Norway's Moen, who took Norway to the 73-62 win.
31-year-old Moen, who was returning to national team action for the first time since 2011, had a blistering start to the game, shifting into double points within the opening four-and-a-half minutes. She would go on to finish with 30 on 64.7 percent shooting from the field.
Ireland recovered from Moen's early onslaught to take an 8-point advantage into the break as Norway struggled with foul problems. However, when Norway returned to their starters midway through the third period, Ireland trailed off, despite forcing 30 turnovers.
Maria Jespersen provided the backbone for Denmark's victory
Denmark, who like Norway are playing with a senior women's program for the first time in some years sent a serious warning to all opponents, with a comprehensive 96-58 win over defending champions Malta, who returned this year with eight players of the championship-winning team from 2016.
Malta were hindered by injury to 2016 All-Star Five member Josephine Grima, who was clearly fighting off the pain after falling bad in the first half. She gritted her teeth to go on to be her team's top scorer with 15 points, but she was a shadow of her former self. For Denmark, the main output came from Maria Jespersen who had a tidy 19-point, 10-rebound return. Ida Preetzman helped Jespersen with 16 points.
Other sides to pick up a Day 1 victory were Luxembourg, who relied on stiff defense to lock out Cyprus 71-49, whilst Gibraltar used a 23-8 last quarter run to take advantage of Moldova's short rotation to celebrate a 70-64 win.
On Day 2 from Cork, Cyprus will seek their first victory against Norway, Denmark take on Gibraltar, Ireland look to bounce back in something of a must-win clash with Luxembourg, while Moldova challenge the title holders Malta.
FIBA