The Irish men's and Azerbaijan women's national basketball teams have qualified for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026, Antwerp, Belgium, from September 11-13 after winning the qualifying round in Pristina, Kosovo.
The FIBA 3x3 website stated on Monday that the two national teams had secured the only available tickets for their respective categories for the event in Belgium.
In the men's division, Ireland bounced back after starting the tournament with a narrow 19-21 loss to Cyprus.
They then defeated hosts Kosovo 18-16 to advance to the knockout stages, thanks to a 10-point contribution from Matt Treacy.
Treacy was again in sparkling form in the semifinals, scoring 12 points, as Ireland defeated Albania 21-15.
That result took them to the final against Cyprus, who had been dominant throughout the tournament.
Cyprus previously beat Ireland in the group stage and eliminated Azerbaijan 21-10 in the semifinals.
However, Ireland were more effective in the deciding match. They raced to a 9-1 lead from the start and continued to control the game.
Ryan Alexander Leonard led the team with seven points. Ireland closed the match with a convincing 21-13 victory, avenging their loss to Cyprus on the first day of the group stage.
Meanwhile, the women's competition featured a dramatic final between Azerbaijan and Ireland. Both teams were undefeated going into the final.
Azerbaijan advanced to the final after defeating Cyprus 16-10, Malta 15-14, and Kosovo 21-5 in the semifinals.
Alexandra Mollenhauer was the star of the victory with 11 points against Kosovo.
In the final match, both teams took turns leading the score.
Ireland was on the verge of victory after taking a 20-19 lead in the final minutes.
However, Mollenhauer proved decisive in Azerbaijan's victory with a two-pointer that landed in the crucial seconds.
In the end, Azerbaijan won narrowly 21-20 and secured a place at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 in Antwerp, Belgium.
Mollenhauer finished the final with an impressive 15 points and was instrumental in Azerbaijan's perfect run to the finals.
