SSE Airtricity Moycullen are back in premier league action on Saturday when they host Killester on Saturday (7pm ) in the Jes.
Nollaig Cunningham's men will be looking to replicate the effort and quality of play they demonstrated last weekend in the national cup as they head into a busy Christmas period.
Although Moycullen were pipped 79-78 by Templeogue in the second leg last weekend in their bid to advance to the semi-finals of the Men’s National Cup, they showed great character, nearly pulling off an incredible victory against the odds.
A second-half performance in the first round four weeks ago saw Moycullen come within 10 points, having been 24 points down at one stage. However it ensured Moycullen's task on Saturday night was difficult, but well within their capabilities.
Unfortunately Moycullen’s hopes were hampered when the referee disqualified two Moycullen players with three minutes to go in the second quarter. Despite the difficulties, they produced their best display of the season, pushing the unbeaten league leaders all the way. Ultimately they fell to a one-point defeat, which meant the aggregate over the two games was 148-159 in favour of the Dublin team.
Although Templeogue raced into a 8-2 lead, Moycullen, led by Ronan O'Sullivan, were well in the game by the end of a free-flowing first quarter with just a point between the sides, 23-24.
Dylan Cunningham proved a torment to the Templeogue defence in the second quarter, while also providing great passes to Paul Freeman inside for some nice finishes. And with a Cian Nihill well-taken three, Moycullen had taken the lead and were in control. However, after a brief flare-up 40 seconds before half time, Moycullen duo Dylan Cunningham and Ronan O’Sullivan and Templeogue’s Conor Grace were sent off for the remainder of the game.
Moycullen were forced to dig deep and they responded accordingly. Upping their defensive intensity, they went in at half time two points up, 43-41.
A ding-dong cup battle ensued in the third. Midway through Templeogue had opened up a five-point gap, but once again Moycullen responded with six players getting on the score sheet. To close out the quarter, Joseph Tummon finished a super play to leave two between the teams, 62-60.
The fourth quarter started with a Paul O’Brien finish on a fast break, and when young Kyle Cunningham hit a huge three, it looked possible that Moycullen could advance to the semi-final. With Stephen Tummon and Freeman dominating the offensive boards, Moycullen were four points up with three minutes to go. However it was not to be, as Templeogue went down the other end and nailed a three to leave just one between the teams.
Moycullen: Cian Nihill 14, Patrick Lyons 7, Paul O’Brien 2, James Loughnane, Stephen Tummon 14, Ronan O’Sullivan 10, Kyle Cunningham 4, Dylan Cunningham 8, Joseph Tummon 3, Paul Freeman 16.
Moycullen U18s advance
In a thrilling contest, Moycullen advanced to the U18 Men's National Cup semi-final, defeating St Mary’s 75-68.
St Mary’s were leading with 1.16 to go but Moycullen scored the last nine points of the game. Eoghan Kelly nailed a three-pointer off an inbound and James Lyons followed up with a decisive block to help Moycullen on their way.
Moycullen led at the break by six points, 40-34, and some strong offensive boards from John Hackett, and Conor Curran’s three-point shooting, kept Moycullen in front. However St Mary's never let up, taking the lead with five minutes remaining until Moycullen finished with aplomb.
Moycullen top scorers: Eoghan Kelly 30, Conor Curran 28, John Hackett 6
Maree through to semi-final
Maree dictated the tempo in their President's National Cup quarter-finals to beat UCD Marian by 31 points in Stillorgan, 104-73.
Maree made their hosts pay for almost every mistake with a fast break that led to easy baskets and a 104-point tally.
Kenneth Hansberry was on the finishing end of the fast break and the lead was 55-35 at half time. Maree will play the winners of Fr Mathews and BFG Neptune in the last four.
Maree BC Top Scorers: Kenneth Hansberry 21, Paulius Peldzius 15, Sergi Marti 13
Maree women lose out
Maree were edged out by 71-62 in their U18 Women's National Cup quarter-final in Oranmore.
Maree had won their five previous games in the competition, with Dayna Finn, who averaging 15.8ppg, netted 19 points, but Brunell had the experience of their U20 Women’s National Cup players, including Alex Macheta, who scored a game high 23 points.
Maree Top Scorers: Dayna Finn 19, Alison Blayney 13, Maggie Byrne 9.,
