IRELAND'S MEN'S basketball team raised their game to an admirable level but ultimately failed to overcome the favourites Belgium in their European championship qualifying group match in Tallaght last night. In their first game at such a high level of the sport, Ireland lost 82-79 in spite of leading 50-44 at half time.

In a controlled first half performance the inside work of Alan Tornidy and Dan Callahan, combined with the three point shooting of Karl Donnelly and John O'Connell gave Ireland an interval advantage that seriously undermined their vastly more experienced opponents.

However, after going eight points clear in the second half, Ireland capitulated in the third quarter as Belgium's free shooting Stefan Sappenbergs proved to be the difference between the sides. He landed two crucially timed threepointers which helped his side into a 76-68 lead with three minutes to play.