Rachel Clancy, Orla O’Dwyer and Marie Breen produced a string of scores but the visitor’s bounced back with baskets from Paula Maxiri and free throws courtesy of Tamara Milovac and Debora Escorio.

Lyndsey Peat looked to have sent Ireland in level at the end of the quarter after some great work from Kate Maher but the imposing Maxiri netted in the final seconds to give Portugal a slight advantage.

Ireland got the second quarter off to a flier with a three pointer from Niamh Dwyer but Portugal raced into a six point lead with Debora Escorio and Maxiri the main instigators.

Aisling Sullivan kept Ireland close to their opponents with an excellent three point finish but Maxiri and Sofia Ramalho were in excellent form to give Portugal a healthy nine point lead at the interval.

Ireland were revitalised in the third quarter and closed the gap to five points with captain fantastic Fahy netting five points during a positive 10 minute spell.

Niamh Dwyer struck a superb three pointer in the closing stages to leave Ireland still hopeful of claiming a win as they got set for the final quarter. Portugal continued to stay ahead largely due to the fantastic effort of Maxiri and and Fatima Silva.

Ann Marie Healy closed the gap to within three points but Portugal pulled away due to the brilliance of Maxiri and the industrious Debora Escorio, who netted five points in quick succession.

It was rough justice on Sasa Punosevac’s side who managed to keep with their Liberian counterparts for the majority of this entertaining contest.

Top Scorers

Ireland

Michelle Fahy (9)

Niamh Dwyer (8)

Rachel Clancy (6)

Portugal

Paula Muxiri (24)

Debora Escorcjo (15)

Sofia Ramalho (10)