The much headlined top of the table clash between south side rivals Templeogue and UCD Marian was all and more than it was billed.
Templeogue got out of the blocks early with an impressive first quarter playing strong defence with Mike Bonaparte running the floor on fast breaks.
The second quarter saw Mike take a rest and Puff Summers coming in to the game and growing in stature in the Templeogue shirt, scoring a game total 9 points, an impressive 100% from shots taken. Lorcan was unusually quiet for his recent standards however, he was obviously keeping things in reserve as he hit 11 of his 13 point total in the fourth quarter, including three trade mark ‘dunks’ – his assist game also improving with a super pass to big man Jason Killeen who got in on the dunk fest with one of his own.
Templeogue led 43-31 at the half but UCD Marian were not going to let it go easy and came back strong and determined at the start of the second half to narrow the gap to a basket and kept the Templeogue fans on the edge of their seats till the very end. However it was the sixth man that helped get the lads in red over the line. Stephen James nailed a vital three with less than 2 minutes to go, followed by crucial points from the line from cool as a cucumber Baolach Morrison.
Another great team effort with 5 players in double digits saw Templeogue win 89-80 and go 2 points clear at the top of the Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League table.
Top scorers for Templeogue:
Mike Bonaparte 25
Jason Killeen 14
Lorcan Murphy 13
Stephen James 13
Neil Randolph 11
This Saturday sees Templeogue open their defence of the Pat Duffy Men’s National Cup against reigning League champions UCC Demons in Oblate Hall, Inchicore. Tip off at 7.30pm. We hope to see you there.
Mike Bonaparte top scored with 25 points, while Baolach Morrison kept his cool on the line to see out the victory.
Game photos courtesy of Rolf Stenberg of Rock Mountain Studios. All images rights reserved.
Templeogue Men’s Super League team are sponsored by Black Amber, Quillsen Estate Agents and Proteam Basketball.
