Moycullen Super League basketballers take a deserved break for cup final weekend before hosting UCC Demons on February 3, while Maree are away to Griffith College Sword Thunder in Dublin.
Moycullen's victory away to Eanna by 74-62 ensured they pulled three clear of Belfast Star on the Super League table.
A dogged third quarter put them on the road to victory to go into this break with three wins from four since Christmas.
Although the physically imposing home side was difficult to break down, such was the size advantage, Moycullen's superior pace proved crucial.
While Eanna repeatedly found scores close to the hoop, Moycullen were forced to rely on quicker ball movement and attempts from the three-point line.
Good shooting from Moycullen’s Dylan Cunningham and James Loughnane were enough to see them take a narrow lead into the second quarter, 20 – 23, but the second quarter belonged to Eanna. Their twin towers of Conor Gallagher and American Mlynue Reeves performed well, as the game slowed to a pace more suited to the Dubliners. Some fine internal passing facilitated the creation of high percentage scoring opportunities, and this put Eanna ahead at half-time.
The injection of Joseph Tummon into the game in the third quarter, along with fellow youngsters Connor Curran and Kyle Cunningham, upped the tempo which suited Moycullen, and the scoreboard soon reflected this as they retook the lead entering the fourth.
Although Moycullen's failure to convert scoring opportunities ensured a tense final quarter, Brandon McGuire carried the scoring load. His late baskets were crucial in steadying the ship, and it propelled Moycullen to a 12-point win.
This win gives Moycullen a total of eight victories on the season - bringing them into a tie for a play-off spot. Maree pushed UCD Marion all the way. Behind 49-46 at half-time, Maree were unable to close the gap, losing 83-79.
Moycullen Scorers : Brandon McGuire (27 ), Patrick Lyons (10 ), Dylan Cunningham (10 ), James Loughnane (9 ), Paul Freeman (6 ), Kyle Cunningham (5 ), Joseph Tummon (4 ), Connor Curran (4 ), Cian Nihill
