Killester keep their cool to stave off Neptune rally in National Cup quarters
Conor O'Sullivan scores for Energywise Ireland Neptunev in the Pat Duffy Cup quarter final; Energywise Ireland Neptune vs Killester at Neptune Stadium, Cork Pic Larry Cummins
A 30-point tally from the Killester American Isiah Dasher paved the way for the Clontarf outfit to see off a gallant Energywise Ireland Neptune side in the quarter-final of the Pat Duffy National Cup at the Neptune stadium.
Killester looked to be control entering the final quarter but a late Neptune rally had them rattled before they regained control to close out the game in style.
A good start for Neptune saw American Chance Hunter execute consecutive baskets in the opening minute that was followed by a Roy Downey three-pointer.
Credit to Neptune they were playing a high-tempo game and with Hunter following an Isiah Dasher three-pointer the home side raced into a seven-point lead.
Suddenly Neptune got sloppy and some poor turnovers saw Killester edge ahead by the minimum 19-8 in the seventh minute.
In the last possession Hunter gave away a silly foul and American Dasher nailed the resultant three free throws that gave the Dublin side a 31-23 lead entering the second quarter.
On the restart, Dasher followed up with a beautiful move to the hoop as Neptune suddenly looked a team on the ropes.
The biggest problem Neptune were encountering was their tendency to turn over the ball to give their opponents an easy passage to the hoop.
In the 14th minute Killester commanded a 40- 31 lead and with their defence remaining solid Neptune were struggling to break it down.
The standard of basketball in the closing minutes of the half was scrappy as Killester looked comfortable at the break when commanding an 18-point lead 56-38.
On the restart, Paul Dick nailed a jumper following yet another Neptune turnover.
The baskets became easier for Killester as they exposed Neptune’s lethargic defending with their big zone getting punished at will.
In a two-minute rally Neptune found new energy and executed four consecutive baskets with Conor O’Sullivan superb as the lead was whittled down to 15 points 75-60.
A Cian Heaphy three-pointer and a late tip-in from Hunter and suddenly it was game on with the lead reduced to 10 points entering the final quarter 77-67.
A stunning Jahmal Wright banked shot gave Neptune the perfect start and a brace of free throws from Cian Heaphy made it a six-point game.
A stunning three pointer from Ciaran Roe steadied the ship for Killester before Nil Sabata and a Conor O’Sullivan three pointer reduced the deficit to four points 82-78 midway the quarter.
When the going got tough the tough got going and Killester regained their composure.
Discipline cost Neptune big time coming down the stretch as three technical fouls coupled with two ejections paved the way for Killester to run out comfortable winners.
J Wright 19, C Hunter 17, C Heaphy 12.
I Dasher 30, P Dick 20, K Harrell 19.
K O’Donoghue, D O’Sullivan, O Connolly, R Downey, C O’Sullivan, J Wright, D Aluko, A Heaphy, D O’Rourke, N Sabata, A Davis, C Heaphy.
P Dick, C Evans, D Sheridan, A McGeever, E McKean, P Sullivan, I Dasher, F Raheem, C Roe, K Harrell, B Chazelas, E Kiernan.
M Nazimek (Dublin), E Buckley (Kerry), M Malysko (Dublin).
