Moycullen avenged defeat to Belfast Star in the Men’s under 18 cup final two years ago, emerging victorious at the end of this years under 20 cup final on a scoreline of 70-60. In a game which took until the second half to come to life, Stephen O’Brien was Moycullen’s key player, with his long range shooting proving vital in the Galway’s sides win. Poor shot selection and plenty of missed chances both from long and short range were the theme of the opening quarter as both sides adjusted to the cup final stage. Belfast Star captain Conor Quinn was the most energetic, regularly attacking at speed and causing problems for Moycullen, who held the lead at the end of a cagey first quarter 17-13.
Moycullen’s inability to make shots in the first quarter was not evident in the second. Two well taken three-point shots from Stephen O’Brien, signified that whatever Belfast could do in terms of attacking basketball, Moycullen could match. Belfast continued the theme of pacey attacking, John Largey getting them off the mark with two points and a free throw. This was Belfast’s only free throw attempt in the whole first half, reflecting Moycullen’s ability to defend efficiently.
Half-time arrived, with Moycullen leading on a score of 35-31. Stephen O’Brien was by now beginning to cause serious problems for the Belfast defence. He weaved his way into a scoring position and scored the close range shot to open the third quarter. Liam Pettigrew and John Largey kept the scoreboard moving on Belfast’s behalf but, O’Brien again showed his dominance when scoring a layup following a steal on Sean Joe Rooney.
Conor Quinn and Rory Gilson exchanged scores for both sides as the game took on a rhythm of one team scoring, followed by the other. Moycullen kept the Belfast at bay for the remainder, finishing with a 50-47 lead. That rhythm found its way into the final quarter, but Moycullen always held the advantage. O’Brien landed yet another three-pointer to open up a five point lead for the Galway side, as the tension rose. Rory Gilson scored a layup off a fast defensive break after severe Belfast pressure, which turned out to be the final nail in Belfast’s coffin. Moycullen prevailed in the end by 70-60.
“There's good steel in these boys,” said Moycullen Coach Nollaig Cunningham. “We knew Star were good. The lads have played against them in schools and club. It was always going to be a tough game. The pressure defence tired them out so we could knock down the shots in the end. That's how it works.”
Moycullen 70, Belfast Star 60
Moycullen Top Scorers: Rory Gilson 17, Stephen O’Brien 15, Kyle Cunningham 14, Sean Candon 9, Joseph Tummon 9.
Belfast Star Top Scorers: Liam Pettigrew 14, John Largey 13, Conor Quinn 10, Aidan Quinn 9, Adam Ryan 8
Half Time: Moycullen 35, Belfast Star 31
MVP: Stephen O’Brien
Moycullen’s inability to make shots in the first quarter was not evident in the second. Two well taken three-point shots from Stephen O’Brien, signified that whatever Belfast could do in terms of attacking basketball, Moycullen could match. Belfast continued the theme of pacey attacking, John Largey getting them off the mark with two points and a free throw. This was Belfast’s only free throw attempt in the whole first half, reflecting Moycullen’s ability to defend efficiently.
Half-time arrived, with Moycullen leading on a score of 35-31. Stephen O’Brien was by now beginning to cause serious problems for the Belfast defence. He weaved his way into a scoring position and scored the close range shot to open the third quarter. Liam Pettigrew and John Largey kept the scoreboard moving on Belfast’s behalf but, O’Brien again showed his dominance when scoring a layup following a steal on Sean Joe Rooney.
Conor Quinn and Rory Gilson exchanged scores for both sides as the game took on a rhythm of one team scoring, followed by the other. Moycullen kept the Belfast at bay for the remainder, finishing with a 50-47 lead. That rhythm found its way into the final quarter, but Moycullen always held the advantage. O’Brien landed yet another three-pointer to open up a five point lead for the Galway side, as the tension rose. Rory Gilson scored a layup off a fast defensive break after severe Belfast pressure, which turned out to be the final nail in Belfast’s coffin. Moycullen prevailed in the end by 70-60.
“There's good steel in these boys,” said Moycullen Coach Nollaig Cunningham. “We knew Star were good. The lads have played against them in schools and club. It was always going to be a tough game. The pressure defence tired them out so we could knock down the shots in the end. That's how it works.”
Moycullen 70, Belfast Star 60
Moycullen Top Scorers: Rory Gilson 17, Stephen O’Brien 15, Kyle Cunningham 14, Sean Candon 9, Joseph Tummon 9.
Belfast Star Top Scorers: Liam Pettigrew 14, John Largey 13, Conor Quinn 10, Aidan Quinn 9, Adam Ryan 8
Half Time: Moycullen 35, Belfast Star 31
MVP: Stephen O’Brien
