UL ACHIEVED SUCCESS in both the men’s and women’s SuperLeague divisions last night.
The men’s team triumphed 70-56 against DCU Saints in an entertaining game at the National Basketball Arena.
It was a closely-fought affair for the majority of the contest, with DCU establishing a narrow 26-25 half-time lead.
However, points from the likes of Jason Killeen and Rob Lynch helped UL gain a 46-40 lead in the third quarter, before consolidating their advantage in the game’s final period.
In his first season in charge as coach, UL coach Mark Keenan paid tribute to his side, telling reporters:
“It’s a fantastic way to finish the season. Since Christmas I think we have shown we are the best team in the country. We had a tough start to the season, but everyone bought into what we are doing and this is a great reward.”
He reserved particular praise for MVP Killeen, saying: ”Jason has been brilliant all season. Tonight he got their big guys in foul trouble and he was just immense all night.”
Meanwhile, UL’s women’s side equaled the achievement of their male counterparts, with a 66-54 win over Team Montenotte Cork, adding to their acquisition of the National Cup earlier this year.
UL were made to work for their victory. Having secured a slim 33-30 advantage at half-time, they continued to retain a narrow lead, finding themselves going into the final quarter ahead by 46-43. They then eventually pulled away from their opponents in the final quarter, gaining a well-earned 12-point win.
Speaking to reporters, UL coach James Weldon emphasised the significance of his side’s achievements throughout the season:
“To win 35 games in a row is unbelievable. I can´t say enough about the commitment and dedication of those girls. They had us well scouted. You have to give credit to Cormac (O’Donoghue) and his Montenotte team. We maybe could have been further ahead at half-time but we have a great system and a great belief here.”
Weldon also refused to be drawn into a discussion on his future following his side’s win: “We’ve just won the treble. We will go and enjoy this and then we can think about what we are going to do next.”
