Moycullen's Super League basketballers are on the road once more next week when they take on DCU Saints in DCU Sports Arena on Sunday at 3.30pm.
They travel with a spring in their step having emerged victorious from one of the toughest venues in Irish basketball, securing a valuable win over UCC Demons at the Mardyke Arena in Cork on Saturday.
In what was perhaps their finest performance of the season so far, the Westerners poured in a season high 117 points in the game, and closed the gap on UCC to just three points on the Super League table. They now have a great opportunity to continue their table ascent when they take on DCU, who are three points adrift, and will hope to exploit any defensive frailties.
The Moycullen trio of James Loughnane, Brandon McGuire and Patrick Lyons were in red-hot shooting form last weekend, combining for an incredible 77 points on the day. But they did not have it all their own way, particularly early in the game when Demons’ American player Lehmon Colbert proved virtually unstoppable in the opening minutes. His inside presence spurred the home team to a 32 - 28 end of quarter lead.
The high rate of scoring on both ends continued into the second quarter. A string of fastbreak points and offensive rebounds proved to be the catalyst for a reversal of fortunes on the scoreboard, with Moycullen taking the lead by half time, 49-58.
With a sense that a statement win on the road was within their grasp, Moycullen were up to challenge laid down by the increasingly frustrated Demons' outfit.
Loughnane, in particular, proved inspirational, as he connected on some difficult drives to the basket as well as several long range three pointers that kept the Cork basketball fans rooted to their seats.
With Loughnane and Lyons seemingly able to score at will from the perimeter, and McGuire proving equally un-guardable closer to the basket, Moycullen looked odds on to register the win as they led 75–91 entering the fourth period.
Showing a maturity that has perhaps been absent in some recent performances, Moycullen duly saw the game out and secured a big away win.
“It’s a big win on a couple of fronts,” Moycullen captain James Loughnane said.
“After a good start to the season, we hit a bumpy patch right before Christmas. so it’s great to head into the New Year with a boost in confidence. "
Moycullen: James Loughnane 28, Brandon McGuire 27, Patrick Lyons 22, Cian Nihill 9, Paul Freeman 9, Stephen Tummon 8, Kyle Cunningham 5, Dylan Cunningham 5, Joseph Tummon 4, Connor Curran. Coach: John Cunningham.
