Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Date: August 15, 2011
Time: 11:12 PM

This morning we boarded a bus en route to Northern Ireland and the city of Belfast. Upon arrival we headed straight to the local gym where the team helped head coach Jason Zimmerman teach a small basketball clinic. In a country where basketball interest is slim to none, getting the opportunity to share our love for the sport was a treat in itself. After camp, we enjoyed a tour of the city with the most delightful little tour woman. She was hilarious, which added a nice contrast to the views of the war torn slums of West Belfast.

That night it was time for game number two. Expecting a standing room only crowd the Eagles quietly prepared for what was shaping up to be their toughest challenge yet. Led by Irish born, American division II superstar, Paul Dick the Belfast Tropics stood a formidable foe. With the crowd heavily backing the home team, the Eagles played inspired ball. Opening a double-digit lead early in the second quarter, Emory never looked back netting a 102- 91 victory. After the game it was back to the hotel for dinner and bed as the next game, a noon tip-off, was fast approaching.

Location: Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Date: August 16, 2011
Time: 4:45

Team morale is high. Another win for the Eagles! Led by rising junior Alex Greven,  the Eagles managed to execute a game plan that saw them the victors in a 94 – 78 contest. The game itself took back seat to a number of incidents that occurred while we were at the gym. The first unusual act happened at halftime when our time in the locker room was increased to forty-five minutes due to a Gaelic football match that was the halftime’s entertainment. Apparently in Ireland, Gaelic football takes precedence over Emory basketball. Honestly, these two bloggers believe that there is only one thing that could ever take precedence over Eagles' basketball, one another (Sorry Coach Z). The next incident took place in the fourth quarter when Michael Friedberg took a vicious elbow to the chin. After being tangled up in the post, Friedberg felt the power of Lithuanian strength as the elbow caused “Friedy,” to bite through his own chin. Three stitches later Friedberg was healing and as of today is questionable for the final game tomorrow. After all the antics were over, the Eagles were finally consistently doing what we do best, winning!

Up next for the Eagles is a six-hour bus ride to Killearney, Ireland were we will face Killearney in the final international match. C’mon lads!