Moycullen men’s basketballers will head to Belfast on Sunday looking to add momentum to their Superleague campaign after claiming their first victory at the weekend.
After a frustrating opening six matches, Moycullen finally achieved a first win in this year’s Superleague.
It was accomplished in dramatic circumstances when 18-years-old Dylan Cunningham grabbed a three-pointer right on the buzzer, denying Dubin visitors UCD Marion by 82 - 80.
Now Moycullen hope to continue their winning form when they face Ulster Elks - a team without a win - at the University of Ulster (3pm ).
Getting a first win at Superleague level has proved a huge challenge for Moycullen, and Saturday’s win at NUIG did not come easily.
The home side opened in confident form with Cian Nihill helping them into a 12-6 lead, but UCD-Marian soon found their form and a 12-0 run, capped by a three-pointer, saw them lead 18-12. Some solid shooting from Nate Fritsch reduced the deficit before he launched a massive shot from his own half to level the game at 25-25.
Fritsch and Nihill continued to score, while John Cunningham chipped in with five points. With the teams going basket for basket, Dylan Cunningham came off the bench to add a pair of late scores to give Moycullen a one-point lead, 46-45.
A poor third quarter saw the visitors take a 64 - 55 led before Fritsch once again led the way early in the fourth. When James Loughnane chipped in with a valuable three-pointer, the gap was down to five points. With 27 seconds on the clock Moycullen were down one and when Fritsch drove to the basket and found Cunningham on the three-point line, the youngster caught and shot as the clock expired.
Moycullen: Nate Fritsch (32 ), Cian Nihill (21 ), Dylan Cunningham (11 ), James Loughnane (6 ), John Cunningham (5 ), Mindaugus Kurcenkovas (4 ), Michael Dowd (3 ), Puff Summers, Nollaig Cunningham, Glenn Hynes, Eoghan Maxwell, Paul O’Brien. Coach: Enda Byrt.
