LIMERICK Sport Eagles broke the hearts of Portlaoise Panthers as they fought back from eight points down late in the third quarter to clinch a nail biting away 80-78 victory in the InsureMyVan.ie Division One Basketball play-offs.
Two converted free throws by Kerry Richardson had nudged the home side in front by a point with just 17 seconds remaining, but there was still time for Jason Killeen to do the very same at the other end of the court for Limerick, subsequently pinching it at the death for the visitors.
Sam Finley emerged the game’s top scorer on 26, while his Limerick team mate Kealan Coats put up 22 to help counter the 43 for with Portlaoise pair, Richardson and Liam Kinsella combined.
Elsewhere, Moy Tolka Rovers stunned Limerick Celtics after they recorded a thrilling 101-100 win over the South Conference winners at Crescent College.
In the last of the MissQuote.ie Division One League Trophy quarter-finals, Limerick Sport Huskies weathered a huge fourth-quarter revival by Templeogue to win out 69-60 in Dublin.
“It was our defensive effort that made the big difference on the night, and we’re now looking forward to our semi-final clash with St. Paul’s (champions),” said Huskies coach Trevor Moore.
