Thomas Hackett:

SSE Airtricity Moycullen made the long trek to Belfast on Saturday evening to face off against  Belfast Star, following last weeks thrilling win against UCC Demons in the Kingfisher. Moycullen finished the game with a comfortable lead against the American-less Belfast squad. However, it was still a hard fought game.

Paul Freeman who was in sparkling form against Belfast. Photo by inpho

Moycullen’s Paul Freeman lead the offensive charge in the first quarter as he exploited a miss match in the post and scored with ease, finishing the quarter with 12 points. Paul’s display on both ends of the court was a highlight of the game as he finished with 20 points and a massive 21 rebounds.

Dylan Cunningham attacked the basket early, scoring a number of layups and getting to the line for 6 free throws. Belfast Star struggled to score against Moycullen’s defence in the first quarter, as they were held to just 15 points.Moycullen finished the quarter with a three pointer from Sean Candon and held a sizeable lead going into the second, 26-15.

Moycullen continued their strong offensive play into the second quarter. James Loughnane found his teammates for numerous scores under the basket, finishing the game with 5 assists. Paul Freeman and Philip Lawrence-Ricks dominated the boards, grabbing every rebound and denying Belfast second chance looks. Forwards Joseph Tummon and John Hackett brought some offence to the table, contributing 4 points each. Moycullen were able to maintain their lead over Belfast to finish the half, 50-36.

Belfast came firing out of the gates to begin the third quarter, as they looked to slash Moycullen’s lead. However, Moycullen was able to hold out thanks to the perimeter shooting of Dylan Cunningham, who scored a total of 4 three pointers in the game. Patrick Lyons ran the offence from the point and was able to find holes in the Belfast defence for scores. Although he started the game slow, Philip Lawrence-Ricks found his shooting touch from the outside, adding 6 points to the score board off midrange jump shots. Moycullen maintained their hold on the game going into the final quarter, 63-50.

Moycullen had a slower pace in the fourth quarter, as they allowed Belfast Star reduce the margin to five points. However, the consistent outside scoring of Dylan Cunningham, who finished with a game high 26 points in an all round super display, and the defensive prowess of Paul Freeman denied Belfast the chance to extend their scoring run any further. Moycullen prevailed on the road for their second win in a row, 75-60.

In what was the fourth meeting of these side this year, it was a good win for SSE Airtricity Moycullen on the road in Belfast. Always a tough ask to play a team so many times and regardless of whether they had an American or not, Star are always tough opposition especially up in Belfast. The team can be happy with the win but know that an improved performance is needed next week as they have a tough assignment against Cup Champions & current 2nd place in the league Swords Thunder in Dublin on Saturday at 6pm in the ALSAA.

The next (and penultimate) home game for SSE Airtricity Moycullen is Saturday 4th March when we will welcome current League leaders Templeogue to the Kingfisher at 7pm.

Dylan Cunningham (26), Paul Freeman (20), Philip Lawrence-Ricks (8), Patrick Lyons (8), John Hackett (4), Joseph Tummon (4), Sean Candon (3), Rory Gilson (2), James Loughnane, Oisin Carey, Ladmy Sila.

Many thanks to Carey Construction who have come on board as Sponsors of the Superleague and U20 teams. They very generously covered the costs of our Superleague trip to Belfast. Great to have such generous friends of the club and we really appreciate their support. When and where ever you can, please support our sponsors.

Categories: Basketball Ireland, Men's Superleague, Mens, News