UCD edge out battling Vincent’s

UCD Marian overcame a spirited St Vincent’s to win their first Senior Men’s National Cup title at the National Basketball Arena on Saturday.

Vincent’s were fancied by many after their semi-final win over holders Tolka Rovers but the students paid little regard to that achievement with Kevin Meaney helping them to an early 10-4 advantage. Their opponents however began to settle and were a point behind (16-15) at the buzzer.

Defences continued to be on top in the second period but Meaney and David Harrison were thorns in the Vincent’s side and a Luke McCrone bucket nudged UCD into a 31-26 interval lead.

The third was a thrilling affair as both teams hustled and harried in defence which minimised score chances at both ends. In the closing minutes the lead changed hands time after time before Teilo Kishiba pushed UCD 43-42 ahead entering the crucial final period.

The final quarter was equally tense and tight but UCD deservedly held out for a three-points victory to the delight of coach Rob Holohan.

He said: “There was never going to be anything in this game and in the end it was a scrap to see who would get over the finishing line and thankfully we edged it. Fifteen-point hero Kevin Meaney was named MVP.

Scorers for UCD Marian 51 (31): (Kevin Meaney 15, David Harrison 9, Teilo Kishiba 7).

Scorers for St. Vincent’s 48 (26): (Shane Callaghan 12, Karl Donnelly 11, Suah Williams 9).