Armenia Defeats Ireland at the 2026 Los Angeles International Basketball Classic | Game Recap, Top Performers & Key Stats
LOS ANGELES, CA - The Armenia Men's National Basketball Team hosted the Ireland Men's National Basketball Team in the fourth annual Los Angeles International Basketball Classic, held in Los Angeles, California. The international friendly brought together two FIBA national teams preparing for upcoming competitions while continuing to establish the event as one of the premier international basketball showcases in Southern California. Led by head coach Rex Kalamian, Armenia looked to build momentum in front of a passionate home crowd against an experienced and disciplined Irish squad.
The first significant momentum swing came late in the opening quarter. With the score tied at 12-12, Armenia responded with a 9-3 run, sparked by Chris Mitchell's transition scoring, Andre Spight-Mkrtchyan's fast-break finish off a steal, and Yura Melikyan converting both free throws to push the lead to 21-15. Ireland answered throughout the second quarter, briefly taking its first lead at 28-27 following Benjamin Stevens' free throw, but Armenia immediately responded behind Mitchell's aggressive drives and Melikyan's relentless work on the offensive glass. Spight-Mkrtchyan capped the first half by knocking down a three-pointer at the buzzer, giving Armenia valuable momentum and a 39-35 halftime advantage.
Armenia created separation in the third quarter with its defensive intensity. After Ireland trimmed the deficit to 39-37, Armenia answered with a 16-5 run, forcing multiple turnovers while turning defense into offense. Artem Tavakalyan's second-chance three-pointer, Daniel Kirakoyan's steal leading to free throws, and Mitchell's transition finish stretched the lead to 55-42, the game's largest margin to that point. Ireland refused to go away, however, closing the quarter on an 8-2 run behind Sean Flood and Tiernan Stynes to cut the deficit to seven entering the final period.
Any hopes of an Irish comeback were erased in the fourth quarter. Armenia repeatedly capitalized on second-chance opportunities and transition baskets, rebuilding its double-digit advantage with key contributions from Davit Katchtaryan, Albert Tatevosyan, and Melikyan. Tavakalyan buried a clutch three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining to extend the lead to 71-59, before Balian converted a steal into a fast-break three-point play that effectively sealed the victory at 74-59. Armenia's defense held Ireland without a field goal during the decisive stretch while forcing key turnovers that fueled the late run.
Chris Mitchell led a balanced Armenian attack with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, while Artem Tavakalyan added 14 points and Yura Melikyan recorded an impressive 13-point, 12-rebound double-double, including five offensive rebounds. Andre Spight-Mkrtchyan filled the stat sheet with 10 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, and Antranik Balian chipped in 9 points and 3 assists off the bench. Ireland was paced by Sean Flood's game-high 18 points and 6 assists, while Tiernan Stynes contributed 11 points and Samuel Alajiki finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds. Armenia's edge on the glass, particularly on the offensive boards, along with its ability to convert turnovers into transition points, proved to be the difference in securing another victory in the Los Angeles International Basketball Classic.
The fourth annual Los Angeles International Basketball Classic once again highlighted the continued growth of international basketball in the United States. The Armenia Men's National Basketball Team and Ireland Men's National Basketball Team used the exhibition to prepare for future FIBA competition while giving fans an exciting display of high-level basketball in Los Angeles.
As the tournament continues to grow each year, the Los Angeles International Basketball Classic has become an important event for promoting international basketball, showcasing national team talent, and strengthening the connection between players and fans. Be sure to check out the full Armenia vs. Ireland box score, game recap, and top statistical performances from both teams.