Moycullen's strong end to the season looked to have earned its just reward as they led high-flying Blue Demons by 10 points with less than four minutes remaining on Saturday night. However old habits die hard and they failed to close out the game, allowing their opponents to sneak a 78-77 victory at NUIG on Saturday night.
The game brought the curtain down on a tough Superleague season for the hosts, but they will be heartened by the huge development of their young players.
Dylan Cunningham and Stephen Tummon established themselves as genuine Superleague names, while 23-years-old Michael Dowd showed leadership qualities. Paul O'Brien made a big step forward in the second half of the season, while his younger brother James, despite limited minutes, showed he can contribute in the years to come.
The injury that cost Cian Nihill half of his season was crippling for the team but, in the games he did play, Nihill established himself solidly in the handful of elite Irish players in the league.
The club believes if these players, and the rest of their teammates, continue to develop over the summer, 2011/2012 could produce a different season for Moycullen.
On Saturday Moycullen started confidently with Mason Ambler and Nihill quick off the mark. Mike Dowd and James Loughnane pushed the ball at every opportunity and harassed the Demon guards to good effect. A 25 point quarter was the most productive start to a game all season for Moycullen as they led by 12 at the quarter's end.
However Niall O'Reilly came off the bench for the visitors and immediately had an effect, scoring six points. Moycullen proceeded to turn over the ball and Demons capitilised, narrowing the gap to seven at the half, 43-36.
Early scores from Ambler and Dylan Cunningham re-established a double figure lead, while James Loughnane chipped in with seven points to ensure the gap remained at seven, 62-55 entering the fourth.
However Demons’ also had heroes who closed the gap to just three, but Ambler kept his side ahead 75-68. Hosford then took over, hitting six points , while O'Sullivan nailed a three-pointer to give Demons their first lead of the game, 77-75. Cian Nihill responded with a pair of free throws, but Hosford put Demons up again. Moycullen: Mason Ambler (31 ), Cian Nihill (13 ), James Loughnane (11 ), Dylan Cunningham (10 ), John Cunningham (6 ), Paul O'Brien (4 ), Mike Dowd (2 ), Nollaig Cunningham, Mindaugus Kurcenkovas, Eoghan Maxwell, Gerald Lyons, James O'Brien. Coach: Enda Byrt.
