Certain media reports over the past week claimed SSE Airtricity Moycullen were planning to upset the Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League leaders title ambitions. Templeogue Basketball Club didn’t get the script and proved too strong for the sharp shooting team from the West. The game in NUI Kingfisher opened with a flourish, Moycullen firing from downtown on their home court to open the scoring. Jason Killeen, working hard inside, added 8 of his 26 point game total in this quarter alone. Mike Bonaparte hit a long range 3 and Lorcan Murphy added a couple of buckets to end the first quarter 19 – 22 in favour of the visitors.
Moycullen, running the fast break well, kept the league leaders on their toes until half time. Strong defence from Templeogue saw the gap open up to 9 points. Ben Warrington, had an impressive offensive rebound and put back off a Moycullen free throw which was the stand out score of the quarter. Templeogue led at the break 35 – 44.
Moycullen head coach John Cunningham rallied his troops and a determined home side shot well from behind the arc to once again narrow the gap. Templeogue dug deep and with some stellar defence, led by Captain Stephen James and Jason Killeen, maintained a slim lead going into the fourth, 59 – 64.
The fourth quarter saw the away side up the tempo and a stare down three from Baolach Morrison was a clincher, followed by 6 more points in the last 4 minutes from Mike Bonaparte, along with another 6 big buckets from Jason Killeen to finally put the game to bed. The final score 70 – 84. Top scorers for Templeogue: Jason Killeen 28, Mike Bonaparte 17, Puff Summers 13.
There was a superb turnout by Templeogue’s Red Army as many travelled West to continue our amazing away support. Our Under 13 Boys, having played Moycullen in a friendly earlier in the day, remained behind with their parents to show their support. A BIG thank you to all the travelling supporters.
Templeogue & Moycullen Under 13 sides played a very entertaining friendly in Galway on Saturday.
Up next is a trip Northside to face National Cup finalists Pyrobel Killester who come off the back of a win against last seasons League and Cup Champions UCC Demons. The games tips off on Tuesday 7th March at 8.15pm in IWA Clontarf. Killester will be hoping to exact revenge for their 82-74 loss to Templeogue back in October and know a home win will open up the title race.
On Saturday 11th March we welcome Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, who take their 10 game unbeaten run to Oblate Hall. Warriors defeated Templeogue’s nearest rivals Griffith Swords Thunder on Saturday night, and UCD Marian the previous week to move into third place. With Kerry footballing legend Kieran Donaghy and US import Trae Pemberton in their side Warriors will be full of confidence facing the league leaders. A win for the visitors in Inchicore will go a long way to securing a semi final spot in the end of season Champions Trophy.
This week could be the biggest in the history of Templeogue Basketball Club and we urge the Red Army to get out and continue to support the lads as they aim for a first ever Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League title.
Cover photo courtesy of Pat Shanahan Photography. All images are copyright protected and not for personal or commercial usage.
Templeogue Men’s Super League team are sponsored by Black Amber, Quillsen Estate Agents, Proteam Basketball and The Terenure Inn.
Let’s go Templeogue!!!