O’Brien leads the way as Moycullen take U20 Cup

Belfast Star 60

MOYCULLEN basketballers avenged their defeat to Belfast Star in the under 18 cup final two years ago, emerging victorious at the end of this year’s National U20 Cup final by ten points

In a game which took until the second half to come to life, Stephen O’Brien was Moycullen’s key player, with his long range shooting proving vital in the Galway side’s win.

Poor shot selection and plenty of missed chances, both from long and short range, were the theme of the opening quarter as both sides adjusted to the cup final stage. Belfast Star captain Conor Quinn was the most energetic, regularly attacking at speed and causing problems for Moycullen, who held the lead at the end of a cagey first quarter 17-13.

Moycullen’s inability to make shots in the first quarter was not evident in the second. Two well taken three-point shots from Stephen O’Brien signified that whatever Belfast could do in terms of attacking basketball, the Galway team could match.

Belfast continued the theme of pacey attacking, John Largey getting them off the mark with two points and a free throw. This was Belfast’s only free throw attempt in the whole first half, reflecting Moycullen’s ability to defend efficiently. Half-time arrived, with Moycullen leading on a score of 35-31.

O’Brien was by now beginning to cause serious problems for the Belfast defence. He weaved his way into a scoring position and scored a close range shot to open the third quarter. Liam Pettigrew and John Largey kept the scoreboard moving on Belfast’s behalf, but O’Brien again showed his dominance when scoring a lay up following a steal on Sean Joe Rooney.

Conor Quinn and the impressive Rory Gilson exchanged scores for both sides as the game took on a rhythm of one team scoring, followed by the other. Moycullen kept the Belfast at bay for the remainder, finishing the third quarter with a 50-47 lead.

That rhythm found its way into the final quarter, but Moycullen always held the advantage. O’Brien landed yet another three-pointer to open up a five point lead for the Galway side as the tension rose. Rory Gilson scored a lay up off a fast defensive break after severe Belfast pressure, which turned out to be the final nail in Belfast’s coffin. Moycullen comfortably prevailed in the end.

“There's good steel in these boys,” said Moycullen Coach Nollaig Cunningham. “We knew Star were good. The lads have played against them in schools and club. It was always going to be a tough game. The pressure defence tired them out, so we could knock down the shots in the end. That's how it works.”

Moycullen scorers: R Gilson 17, S O’Brien 15, K Cunningham 14, S Candon 9, J Tummon 9. MVP: Stephen O’Brien.

For more, read this week’s Galway City  Tribune.