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So near but yet so far for the plucky men in green.
After a narrow mid-week defeat against group favourites Germany, Ireland came even closer to a major upset on home soil on Saturday night, allowing European giants Croatia to rally late as the hosts lost out 76-78 in a tense finale in Dublin.
Ireland were outscored 23-9 in the final quarter and saw their convincing cushion eroded by a clinical Croatian side, who pulled ahead in the last two minutes to win 78-76, and leave Bill Dooley's heartbroken side with their second successive defeat of the semi-final round.
The Irish were in front for most of the game, and a superb third quarter saw them lead by 12 points going into the final period, and a home win seemed certain.
But Croatia's inside power, and Ireland's lack of bulk under the boards proved crucial down the stretch and Ireland saw their hard fought lead cut back, with Croatia taking the lead for the first time since early in the second quarter with 2 minutes remaining.
Marty Conlon was fouled out with 2.10 to go, but Ireland pulled back in front through Mitchell on the line. But scores from Gordon Giricek put Croatia 77-73 in front with 54 seconds remaining, and Bill Donlon's three-pointer was too little too late.
Conlon and Jay Larranaga top scored for the Irish on 21 points
Ireland will now look for their opening victory against Macedonia in Dublin on Wednesday (7.00pm)
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