UL Eagles are beginning to gather momentum, following up last week’s victory with a 75-68 win over UCD Marian at the UL Arena. UCD started well and led at the end of the first quarter 18 to 10. However by half-time UL Eagles were ahead 34 to 29 finishing the half with a Matt Hall two-point buzzer beater.
The 3rd quarter belonged to Marian who led by seven with a quarter to go. In the final 10 minutes the Eagles upped their tempo and two big three’s by Scott Kinevane set them on their way. With UCD on team fouls and the clock also against them the Eagles kept the score board ticking and went on to win 75 to 68.
Coach Mark Keenan believes that his side are finding form at the right time, despite a poor opening against Marian.
“We found it difficult early on. It was always going to be hard to get to the standard of last week. There was a lot of emotion then, and maybe we struggled to find a rhythm today because the stakes were so high in the last game.”
“The guys showed good character again. They fought for one another which is a good sign. We have lost more games this season than I would like but things are starting to come right for us now. That is what you really want to be aiming for at this time of year,” he said.
Next up for the UL Eagles is the National Cup Final against UCC Demons. This is in the National Basketball Arena on Friday February 3 with an 8.45pm tip-off time and is being carried live by Setanta TV.
In the women’s Superleague, UL continued their impeccable campaign with a massive 99-49 victory over Liffey Celtics. The victory means UL have now won all thirteen league games this season and James Weldon’s side also have a cup final appearance to look forward to next weekend. Weldon is clearly pleased with the progress his side are making. “Everybody managed to get on the score-sheet so that is good from a team perspective. It was important to get the win ahead of the cup final. We’re in good shape but it will be a huge game against DCU.”
