Greece U16 Women launched their FIBA U16 Women's European Championship Division B campaign in dominant style, cruising to a comprehensive 78-36 victory over Ireland U16 Women on 8 August 2026. It was a statement performance from the Greeks, whose relentless full-court pressure and sharp inside-out execution left the Irish side with no answers from the opening whistle.

Match Overview

The result was never really in doubt. Greece stormed out of the gates with a 12-2 run and never looked back, building a 20-point halftime lead and extending it further in the third quarter. Ireland battled hard and showed commendable effort, especially on the defensive boards, but their offensive struggles — combined with Greece’s suffocating defense — made it impossible to generate any sustained run. The 42-point margin underlined the yawning gap in execution and physical preparation on the night.

Key Moments

• Explosive start: Greece hit their first four shots from beyond the arc, immediately forcing Ireland into a defensive shell.
• Second-quarter dominance: The Greeks outscored Ireland 24-8 in the second frame, aided by 12 points off turnovers.
• Bench contribution: Greece’s substitutes maintained and even extended the lead, playing cohesive team basketball throughout the second half.

Tactical Story

Greece’s success was built on pressure. Their guards trapped every ball screen and denied entry passes, forcing Ireland into rushed decisions and a litany of turnovers. Offensively, Greece played with remarkable pace, getting the ball into the paint early and collapsing Ireland’s defense before kicking out for open shots. Ireland struggled to establish any rhythm, shooting poorly from both the field and the free-throw line, and their isolation-heavy offense rarely threatened Greece’s well-organized rotations.

Standout Players

While the Greek scoring effort was spread across the roster, their starting point guard was the engine of the victory, controlling the tempo and finishing with a well-rounded contribution of points, assists, and steals. Ireland’s brightest performer was their forward, who provided a physical presence and scored the majority of their points through post moves and second-chance efforts.

What's Next

The emphatic victory sends a clear message to the rest of Division B: Greece U16 Women are legitimate contenders for promotion. For Ireland, the result serves as a harsh learning experience at this level, and the coaching staff will look for a response in their next group game. With the group stage still in its early days, both teams have plenty of time to shape their tournament destinies, but Ireland will need to significantly improve their offensive execution to compete.