By Andrew Mullen, PA Sport

Norway coach Baard Stoller was thrilled with the character shown by his side as they began their EuroBasket Women qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 72-62 win over Ireland.

The Irish looked to be on course for an opening-day win as they established a 47-44 lead by the end of the third period.

After Niamh Dwyer's free throw increased that advantage at the start of the fourth, Ireland, who had trailed by seven midway through the third period, looked on course for victory.

But Norway hit back and a 12-0 run saw them establish a 56-48 lead midway through the final period to claim the win in Bergen.

"It was very important for us to get a good start," Stoller said to PA Sport.

"It gives us confidence and also as all four teams in the group want to reach the next round it is important to win your home games as it is always going to be tough to get wins on the road.

"It was good to see the team show some character, it is always easy when things are going your way. We only scored six points in the third quarter, defensively we were okay but offensively we struggled and didn't shoot the ball well.

"The team knew if they didn't improve there was a chance they might lose and it is always important to produce the right perforce so when they look back, you are not thinking they should have won.

"It was good to see them respond well and get the result. There were a lot of players who stepped up which was nice to see."

Norway travel to Keflavik to face Iceland on September 16 in their next EuroBasket Women qualifying test.

Stoller is expecting a tough game after Gudjon Skulason's side narrowly lost 66-61 to the Netherlands in Rotterdam.

Helena Sverrisdottir had kept her side in the game with 25 points, 10 rebounds and two assists before fouling out with 28 seconds left.

"Iceland went to the Netherlands and almost gave them too much to handle," Stoller said.

"Iceland showed they are a team to be reckoned with, so it's going to be tough, all the games in the group are going to be tough.

"We know Iceland and you have to respect them as they have so much heart, as well as skillful players and good size and some young and talented players."

Stoller believes three more Division B wins will be enough for his team to progress.

"We want to win every game we are in but our goal of 4-2 we believe will be enough," he said.

"I don't think anyone will go through this tournament without a win and if everyone gets one win then 4-2 will be enough.

"Ireland and the Netherlands are aiming to reach the A group and that is also our goal, and I would be surprised if Iceland weren't aiming for that as well.

"There are four ambitious teams, which is good. It was always going to be a tough group."