University of Galway Maree sit top of the men's basketball Superleague after grabbing their fifth League win of the campaign when eventually easing to a well-earned 100-90 away victory over Ballincollig.
Jarett Haines scored a season-high 32 points in an impressive performance, which saw Maree continue their winning run.
After securing their place in the cup quarter-finals at Flexachem's expense last week, Haines was predictably decisive when they needed a spark and was again their leading scorer. Joe-Junior Mvuezolo produced 21 of his 29 points in the second-half, while Rodrigo Gomez was engaged from the first whistle before notching his fourth 20-point outing in six league games.
It was not all plain sailing, though, as Maree dug deep for the win as Ballincollig pushed them hard.
However Haines and Mvuezolo both scored timely baskets in the second quarter, while strong defensive play subsequently saw their hosts' shooting numbers cool off. John Burke's defence set the tone in limited minutes, Eoin Rockall was a steady play-making presence, and Zvonimir Cutuk also posted five of his nine total points during the late stages before the break.
Ballincollig only made four more three-pointers (12-8 ) total over the 40 minutes, but quick possessions made for a nip-and-tuck affair with the lead changing frequently before the sides finished the half level.
Maree impressed at the start of the second-half, and from a steal, Mvuezolo charged to the basket in transition.
However, all that good work was undone as they conceded a Jose Jimenez Gonzales three down the other end. He had 10 of his team-high 28 points in that third quarter as Ballincollig cut the lead to four at one stage.
Gomez and Mvuezolo then drilled threes a minute apart, and the advantage was soon into double figures, with Maree closing out another important early season scalp.
University of Galway Maree : Eoin Rockall, Rodrigo Gomez, Jarett Haines, Joe-Junior Mvuezolo, Zvonimir Cutuk. Bench: John Burke, Comhghall McCormack, Stephen Commins, Ben Burke, Zach Light, Garry Fernane, Paul Freeman.
Emporium Cork Basketball: Adrian O'Sullivan, Dylan Corkery, Keelan Cairns, John Dawson, Jose Jimenez Gonzales. Bench: Andrew O'Connor, Sean O'Flynn, Pau Cami Galera, Ciaran O'Sullivan, Ronan O'Sullivan, Colm Blount, Luke O'Sullivan.
