Vincent’s overpower Lakers to secure final place
St. Vincent’s 72 Clondalkin Lakers 56
St. Vincent’s are through to face Longford Falcons in the Mens Division One Final after overcoming Clondalkin Lakers at the National Basketball Arena this evening.
Martin McGetrick’s side were in impressive and took full advantage of a Clondalkin Lakers side who were without several key personnel.
St. Vincent’s demonstrated their intentions in the first quarter with powerful offensive play and the desire to claim the majority of the rebounds.
The scoring at the beginning of the quarter was tit-for-tat as both sides were soon level pegging at six points apiece.
However, the Saints soon stepped up a gear and scores of ruthless accuracy from Karl Donnelly and Eric Steensland saw them accelerate into a 24-6 lead.
The Lakers tried desperately to combat the St. Vincent’s offensive plays and scores from Eoin McDermott and Conor McGrath gave them a shred of hope. However, at the end of the first quarter it was looking bleak for the West Dubliners as they trailed St. Vincent’s 26-11.
It was much the same in the second quarter, as St. Vincent’s surged closer to the Division One final with much aplomb.
A string of baskets from Chris Royal and a brace from Neal McCotter ensured St. Vincent’s enjoyed a healthy 37-16 lead.
Clondalkin’s retort was not forthcoming and St. Vincent’s continued to penetrate the Lakers defence with every offensive play.
A splendid three point score from Eric Steensland and a two pointer from the St. Vincent’s guard pushed the Glasnevin men into a 42-18 lead.
At the other end Inarts Vitol secured a two point score followed by a free throw for Lakers to make the score line 42-21 to St. Vincents at the halftime interval.
Clondalkin came out in the third quarter fighting and scores from Suah Williams and Eoin McDermott as well as a delightful three point effort from Conor McGrath allowed Lakers to gain some ground on the Saints.
St. Vincent’s continued to steam ahead but Lakers seemed to be turning more of their offensive plays into points.
Chris Doyal proved to be the proverbial thorn in Clondalkin’s side however as his numerous baskets continued to flow and kept St. Vincent’s breathing space of Lakers intact.
The writing was on the wall for Clondalkin going into the final quarter, as St. Vincents lead 53-36 at the end of the third.
The Lakers put in on last brave effort at the beginning of the fourth quarter and reduced the deficit to a mere 12 points thanks to the hawk-eye shooting of Eoin McDermott.
The offensive prowess of St. Vincents was showing no signs of faltering however and Chris Doyal and Karl Donnelly continued to damage their opponents.
The gap was soon restored to 21 points as St. Vincents lead 63-42 midway through the quarter.
Lakers netted two three pointers courtesy of Marcus Wollo and Eoin McDermott in the closing stages of the game but it was too little too late as a brace from Chris Doyal ensued St. Vincents ran out worthy victors, beating Clondalkin Lakers 72-56.
Men’s Division One Semi-Final 1 result:
Team Garveys St Marys 87 PV’s Longford Falcons 106.
