Tears flow as Eagles land cup

UL Eagles were crowned cup champions after defeating UCC Demons in a thrilling final at the National Basketball Arena last night.

The Limerick side went into this final as raging underdogs but produced a stunning final quarter to win 72-65.

In the opening quarter both teams went for the jugular but a late Shane Coughlan three-pointer gave the Cork side a 21-10 lead.

There was little to choose between the teams in the second period but despite Demons playing the best basketball they failed to take control of the game.

The Cork side commanded a 39-34 interval lead but they struggled in the third quarter despite leading by two points entering the crucial finalperiod.

A superb effort from Daniel O’Sullivan early in the fourth gave Demons a five-point lead and when UL lost the influential Jason Kileen midway through it looked all over. But the Eagles responded well with consecutive scores from Matt Hall and Scott Kinevane.

Taylor gave UL the lead soon afterwards before Neil Campbell raised the roof with a superb three to give Eagles a three-point lead with as many minutes remaining — and they rounded off it in style through Matt Hall to secure a memorable victory.

The scenes at the final whistle were incredible as coach Mark Keenan, who was axed by Killester at the end of last season, was left in tears.

“I am so proud of my players in the manner they dug deep against an excellent Demons side but belief is a great thing when the chips are down,” he said.

“This is not about me but about the people who have kept this club going for many years in Limerick, particularly our manager John King.

“We will celebrate in style as this is one of the most memorable days in my basketball career.”