Moycullen get their first win of the Superleague Season in a thriller in Belfast

After two heartbreaking losses in their two previous games, Moycullen’s Superleague basketballers finally triumphed in a tight contest Saturday night, defeating Belfast Star in an overtime thriller away from home.

The storyline seemed all too familiar for the Galway outfit when Star’s American centre, Tyson Johnson, tipped in a basket as time expired in normal time to level the sides and send the match to overtime. Thoughts of Moycullen’s recent failures late in games must have rippled through the boisterous away support that had made the trip to Belfast as the home side’s momentum help them establish a narrow lead in the extra time period. Indeed things looked bleak for Moycullen as the impressive Stephen Tummon fouled out of the game with three minutes remaining in overtime. Moycullen hung tight however, primarily through the inspirational defensive effort of Eoghan Maxwell who took on the job of shackling Star’s Irish international shooting guard, Paul Cummins. Trailing by one with a minute to go, a three pointer from Cían Nihill saw Moycullen gain their first lead of the overtime. Another excellent defensive effort by the visitors followed which led to a fastbreak opportunity that saw Luke Enos score as he was fouled. His subsequent free throw gave Moycullen a five point lead and despite a final three pointer from Star, Moycullen were able to hold on, ending the contest with a 77 to 75 victory, their first of the season. It was a successful trip for the entire club as Moycullen’s as our U13 and U14 boys both recorded wins in friendly games in Belfast also. Their subsequent support along with their coaches and parents was a major factor in helping push the Superleague side over the finishing line…finally!

The lads don’t have any time to celebrate however as they are on the road again tomorrow (Monday) when they take on league champions Killester in the Irish Wheelchair Association at 3pm. Moycullen Scorers :

Luke Enos (30), Stephen Tummon (17), Cían Nihill (16), Paul O’Brien (5), Dylan Cunningham (4), Michael Dowd (2), James Loughnane (2), Eoghan Maxwell, Nollaig Cunningham, Ian Burke.