The women in green will look to improve their shooting at the National Basketball Arena (7.25pm) after converting just under 25pc of their attempts from the floor in a 69–53 loss in Tallaght.

But Thornton hopes the chance to play again so soon after that defeat, brought about by a changed qualifying competition, will help Ireland to get back on track.

“It's a quick turnaround but, as a basketball player, I like to get out there again straight away and I guess a lot of the team also would,” the Corkwoman said.

“You get a chance to right those wrongs, like you said. And again, we're back at home, we're in our safe place. We've a big crowd coming on Saturday and we're really, really looking forward to it.

“But we’ve got to give them something to cheer about and when the ball goes in the b

See Full Page