BASKETBALL NATIONAL LEAGUE FINALS:KILLESTER SECURED yet another Men's SuperLeague title after an incredible tussle with Neptune of Cork at the National Basketball Arena yesterday. Killester were made to sweat for their victory, as the unfancied Neptune pushed them all the way, before the Dubliners eventually won 84-80.
The crowd were captivated from the first whistle, as Neptune came flying out of the blocks to take an early 8-2 lead. The champions reined in their less vaunted opponents quickly, and established a 47-36 lead at half-time. Neptune almost blew Killester away in the third quarter, with a rousing comeback, which saw them lead by three heading into the final quarter.
However, it was the champions who found the reserves in the final moments, to narrowly edge this memorable clash. “MVP” Paddy Kelly was thrilled with his side’s victory. “It’s unbelievable. It was a fantastic final, really high quality. I reckon it was a superb game for the fans to watch.” he said.
Kelly felt his side always had the wherewithal to retain their title, even when they trailed in the final quarter. “We’ve been through nine national finals and have great experience. I wasn’t worried when we were down. You just have to draw on your experience and believe you can do it,” Kelly said.
The “MVP” was also glad to lay the ghosts of the shock defeat in this year’s cup final to UCD Marian to rest. “We were very disappointed with what happened this year in the cup final, and we wanted to make amends for that today.”
UL secured the Women’s Superleague title with a terrific 68-54 victory over Team Montenotte Hotel Cork.
Some standout performances helped UL see off Montenotte’s challenge, most notably “MVP” Natalie Taylor and Rachel Vanderwal, who contributed a combined 43 points. Taylor contributed 21 points in the course of the game, pitching in with some vital scores when her team was in need of inspiration.
She was understandably pleased at the final whistle. “I’m really excited,” said Taylor, who represented New Zealand at the 2008 Olympics. “It’s my first time playing in Ireland, so to come away with a league championship is great.”
Taylor praised her team’s focus, having redoubled their efforts in the wake of their surprise cup elimination at the hands of DCU earlier this season. “I’m really proud of the team. We have come a long way since we got knocked out of the cup. It’s always great to play in big games like this, it gets you really motivated. We were always confident we could win.”
