Luke on fire as Killestermarch on
The American drove a Killester side forward to what eventually became an impressive victory.
While her figures at the end of the game showed 29 pts, two rebounds and five assists, her contribution could not be measured in statistics alone.
She was driving from the back, creating the opportunities under the boards and shot five three pointers.
She had plenty of assistance from a bench that oozed quality but it was depth in the end that sealed the issue with Suzanne Maguire, Gillian Morris and Carmel Kissane in the third quarter stepping up when needed.
Kissane, who has been capped 14 times for Ireland in basketball and 10 times in soccer, was back after breaking her leg in an international soccer match at the start of the season and showed that she could still have a say in the destination of this cup.
Mustang Sally’s came back from a hopeless situation to lead after half time and, in the end, it was just sheer depth rather than lack of talent that went against them.
Dianne Griffin was outstanding, Carrie Walker ended up with 23 pts and there was a gutsy performances from Lynn Jones who shot two three pointers.
The early exchanges had all the indications of a rout. Suzanne Maguire set the pace with a quick basket and then came two stunning, three pointers from Killester’s American, Ashley Luke.
Diane Griffin pulled two back for Mustang Sally’s but they were trailing 10-2 when James Weldon called time out to steady the ship.
The words had the desired affect. Diane Griffin shot two baskets and when Carrie Walker dropped another and made the free throw the game opened up. The pace quickened and Killester pressed forward. A three pointer from Suzanne Maguire in the closing seconds of the first quarter saw them lead 25-16.
Killarney, however, showed no signs of wilting and came out with all guns blazing. Their American, Carrie Walker, shot a basket and made the free throw. Then Diane Griffin stole the ball and ran the court to cut the deficit to four points.
Eimer Brophy had Killester’s first basket of the quarter after two and a half minutes. Muirossa Galwey then shot a three pointer and it was a three point game again. Lynn Jones cut it to one from the free throw line.
Another three pointer her third of the half from Ashley Luke restored Killester’s confidence and Catriona White made a basket to give them a six point advantage but again Killarney fought back and a three pointer on the buzzer from Lynn Jones left just one point between them at half time 34-33.
Diane Griffin gave Killarney the lead for the first time with the first basket of the second half and the next few minutes were gripping before Killester edged clear once more with six players all stepping up to outscore Killarney 22 points to 16 for the quarter and leave them with a 54-49 lead going into the last quarter.
They went on to dominate the final quarter. Ashley Luke set the pace with a big three pointer she would end the game with another and from here things started to go against Killarney.
Fatigue began to manifest itself under the basket when all the work was done and Killester were rebounding with vengeance.
Suzanne Maguire came back into the game after a quiet third quarter and landed a three pointer, popped a basket under pressure and made the free throw.
Killarney were tired at this stage and only scored seven points in the final quarter.
: Ashley Luke 29, Suzanne Maguire 16, Carmel Kissane 13.
: Carrie Walker 23, Diane Griffin 15, Lynn Jones 9.
