Christmas Blues for Roma
Roma St Vincents 85 Neptune 90
It was the first game of the New Year for team Roma against a recently troubled Neptune squad under the new guidance of Ex Waterford Crystal coach Michael Evans and new signing Gilbert (USA).
Neptune opened their account early with a trio of unanswered baskets with Roma obviously feeling the effects of the 3 week layoff. Captain Dave Donnelly steadied the squad with quick passing and a cool head to restore the team’s confidence and give the home team a 1 point lead at the end of the first quarter, 21 - 20.
Turner started his game in the second, but found progress "difficult" with new signing Gilbert pressurising at every effort. Joey's boys hard to work very hard and James Donnelly was the only other Roma player making an impression on the scoreboard. Neptune owned a slight, but deserved, lead at the half, 38 – 35.
After the interval, both teams came out with all guns blazing Gilbert dominated under the Roma basket at will and looked impressive. Eoin Darling had an all rounded super third quarter, with steals, blocks and assists to Turner giving him a 12 point quarter (game total 23).
Still, there was never much between these teams throughout with Neptune leading but just 2 points at the end of the third.
Egos flared as the decisions became more crucial as the last four minutes approached. The sides were level on 77 points apiece.
It was then the relatively quiet McCarthy proved the difference between these sides with two killer three-pointers leaving Roma with an uphill battle six points down with less than two minutes on the clock.
It proved too much for Roma and a bright start for Michael Evans and a return to form for Neptune finishing with a five point victory.
Results:
NIVEA for Men SuperLeague
Abrabkebrabra Tralee 94 Merry Monk Ballina 99
Limerick Lions 96 Dart Killester 87
Roma St Vincents 85 Neptune 90
Women’s SuperLeague
Carna Transport Mercy 76 UL Aughinish 62
Peugeot Meteors 67 Mustang Sally St Pauls 59
Bausch and Lomb Wildcats 67 Oblate Dynamos 30
Vienna Woods Glanmire 87 Dart Killester 75
Women’s Senior Cup Quarterfinal
Meteors 51 DART Killester 57
Men’s Division One
Longford Falcons 97 University of Ulster 71
Team Royal Theatre 59 Queens 49
Moycullen 72 Tea Garvey’s St Mary’s 63
NUIG 62 Team Royal Theatre 77
Women’s Division One
UL Aughinish 68 Sligo All Stars 72
Galwey Auct. St. Mary’s 90
Team Blarney Park Hotel 54
Drimnagh Dynamos 66 Athlone 56.
