LIMERICK Celtics toppled Portlaoise Panthers, 72-60, to lift a first-ever Presidents’ National Cup.
Celtics were propelled to victory by AJ Williams, who finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
A tight contest was expected and that is how it unfolded, Limerick Celtics 17-15 ahead by the end of the first.
Celtics would hold a five-point lead by half-time, 36-31.
The contest was delicately poised, 49-46 in favour of Celtics entering the last quarter.
In a tense closing period, Finn Hughes was outstanding with a contribution of 10 points.
Limerick Celtics head coach Tony Hehir said: “It means everything to us, we’re a young club, we’ve had so much development over the year with the younger players and it’s incredible to see them on this platform winning a National Cup today.”
“In fairness to Portlaoise they really came back strong, and they are a great basketball team, but I thought our third and fourth quarter performance on defence probably won the game for us.”
Celtics: Eoghan Donaghy (4) Ariyon Jamal Williams (25), Martin Frawley, Finn Hughes (15), Matthew Barry, Chima Obikwelu (12), Abdul Wurie (12), Philip Kearney (4), Sean Ryan, Vadjikiba Dosso, Cian Gleeson, Jordan Hehir.
