Three Galway basketball clubs are through to the quarter-finals of the Presidents’ National Cup after last weekend’s round one action.
JM&L Auctioneers have set up a Galway derby against Maree, while SSE Renewables Moycullen will meet St Vincent’s in next month’s quarter-final.
JM&L Auctioneers enjoyed a convincing 91-56 win over Waterford Vikings at Merlin Woods College. Despite an error-ridden opening quarter, Titans’ second quarter press defence took effect and the gap was insurmountable by half time.
Titan’s head coach Jordi Juste said the team had taken a step forward.
“They shared the ball properly and showed great energy on defence to keep running right until the end,” said the Barcelona native. “They were the key to our performance.”
Titans’ top scorers were Tomas Mitkus 21, Darryl Durham 17, and Paulius Peldzius 15.
Queens BC 69 - 102 Maree BC
Division one leaders Maree brought their league form into the cup to advance despite a potentially sticky tie away to Queens of Belfast. Top scorers in the league and with Matt Hornbuckle being the only Irish player in the division averaging more than 20 points per game, Maree’s fast breaks were too much for Queens.
“Matt played well,” said Maree head coach John Finn. “We focused on running the break today and it paid dividends. When it goes well, you’re constantly unsettling your opposition and it makes for easier baskets also.”
Maree’s top scorers were Matt Hornbuckle 20, Colm O’Hagan 16, Eoin Rockall 8.
KUBS 44-89 SSE Renewables Moycullen
SSE Renewables Moycullen accounted for KUBS at the Carroll Arena in Greendale.
Moycullen enjoyed a 32 point lead at the break as KUBS, with a very young side, struggled to get on the scoreboard in the opening quarters. Paul Freeman hit the game high for Moycullen with 17 points as veteran Nollaig Cunningham and Sean Candon combined for 24.
