The Tigers won Superleague Championship 2008
Abrakebabra Tigers - DART Killester 66-62 (29-38) (K Donaghy 21, M Quirke 20, J Teahan 7 - M Bonaparte 16, J Behan 14, A Dahi 13)
Abrakebabra Tigers duo, Kieran Donaghy (198-G/F-83) and Michael Quirke (198-C-80), were in buoyant mood after their side claimed this season's Nivea For Men's SuperLeague title with a 66-62 win over DART Killester at UL's Sports Arena on Sunday.
'I'm delighted with our team effort today, we really proved that we wanted this win more than anything and everyone out there played with real determination,' said Tigers hero Kieran Donaghy.
'I was worried in the beginning because when we lost Chris Jordan (193-G-82, college: Sam Houston St.) to foul trouble it looked like a repeat of the National Cup Final all over again but everybody gave their all with Gerard Myles (188-F-88) and Micheal Quirke taking control of the game in the closing stages and when it mattered most.'
Meanwhile, Tigers captain and worthy MVP recipient, Michael Quirke said: 'It was a team effort that gave us the win and when it counted in the fourth quarter, all our guys were hungrier for the win.'
'We have had some tough times this season and we are delighted to win particularly after losing the cup earlier in the season.
John Tehan (185-G-71) opened the scoring for Tigers, with a big three, indicating their intentions of reclaiming some silverware this season after losing out in the Cup in January. DART took time to settle with Tralee playing strong defence to contain the big hitters in Killester's Michael Bounaparte and Arnoud Dahi. Michael Goj set the scoreboard rolling for Killester and a big three from Bonaparte saw it five all half way through the quarter. Dahi found his range and added six for Killester with Micheal Quirke playing a captain's role, strong under the boards and penetrating in the offence with six points in the first quarter which saw Tigers trail by one, 20-21.
A big three from Kieran Donaghy at the start of the second put Tralee ahead, 23-21 but they struggled under the pressure of the Killester press and Killester continued to punish any mistakes with a superb display of outside shooting from the Dubliners, in a quarter that saw John Beehan, Michael Goj and Bonaparte combine to score four big three pointers to put Killester ahead by ten, with three minutes to play until the half-time whistle, 25-35. Free throws from Paddy Kelly added two for Killester, with baskets from Donaghy and Teehan reducing the lead to seven, 29-37, with two minutes remaining. A foul by Donaghy sent Bonaparte to the line, converting one from two and they held a nine point lead going to the dressing rooms.
Micheal Quirke opened the second half for Tralee with a two but Dahi and Bonaparte worked well together to further extend Killester's lead to 11 points, 34-45. A big three from Quirke with six minutes remaining brought Tralee back in the game but a technical call on Chris Jordan sent Beehan to the free throw line for two and the additional possession saw Killester push ahead 37-49. A basket from Teehan and two big three's from Gerard Myles and Donaghy, saw Killester's lead reduced to four with three minutes to go. Bonaparte and Donaghy each converted one from two to maintain the four point difference going into the final minute of the quarter but a big three from John Beehan just before the buzzer saw Tralee enter into the final quarter trailing by six, 47-53.
A three from Quirke, narrowed the gap in the opening minute and a big rebound from Pete Strobl (205-F-77, college: Niagara), saw Tralee set up another two points from Quirke to bring it down to a one-point game, 52-53. A strong drive by Donaghy tied the game 54 all with eight minutes still to play in the quarter. Gerard Myles, had a fantastic game for Tralee and his two points in the sixth minute saw Tigers take the lead for the first time in the game, 58-56. Coach Mark Keenan called a time-out to regroup his side and Killester pressed for the remainder of the quarter. A fifth foul by Dahi, saw him leave the game with just over two minutes remaining and Quirke converted one to maintain the two point advantage. Bonaparte followed up with a three for Killester but Quirke again was instrumental with another two points and an intentional foul by Bonaparte sent Donaghy to the line to convert both and retain possession with 1:30 to go, 65-62. A pass from Donaghy travelled the length of the court to find Chris Myles under the Killester basket and a big check from Paddy Kelly sent Myles to the free throw line to claim the Nivea for Men's SuperLeague Trophy and Champions title on a score line of 66-62.
Copyright 1998-2007 Eurobasket Inc.
The semifinalists are known in Irish Superleague
UCC Demons and Neptune celebrated victories in the quarterfinals of the Irish Superleague. Both Cork outfits will now play at the semifinal stage next weekend. Neptune relied on an outstanding performance from Mathew Gorman (203-C-84, college: Syracuse) to upset St. Vincent 114:97. Mathew Gorman delivered 20 points in the second quarter of the encounter and Neptune jumped to a 21-point halftime lead. Kyle Myrick (183-G, college: Lincoln (PA)) provided sufficient help for Mathew Gorman offensively and Neptune secured a 20-point margin after three quarters of action 89:69. St. Vincent failed to revive any sort of intrigue in the final period and had to surrender at the end. Mathew Gorman finished with game-high 41 points. Kyle Myrick dropped 22 points for the winners. Peder Madsen (186-G-79, college: Post) answered with 26 points for St. Vincent. Kenneth Gamble (201-F-75, college: N.Alabama) netted 23 points in a loss that forced St. Vincent's head coach Joey Boylan to resign after the game. Neptune will take on the Abrakebabra Tigers in the semifinal.
UCC Demons edged MDS Star 99:94 to reach Final Four. UCC Demons opened the game on a 34:19 rally and set the tone for the rest of the encounter. They dominated, while MDS Star tried to catch up. Demons headed into the fourth frame comfortably ahead and stretched the advantage to 20 points but it was far from the end in this one. MDS Star capitalized on some sloppiness from UCC Demons players and trimmed the deficit to 5 points at the very end of the game. However they simply ran out of time and allowed UCC Demons to enter the Final Four stage. Niall Murphy (180-G-86) poured in 25 points, while Terrence Todd (183-G, college: Fairfield) provided 20 for UCC Demons in a win. Cheeves replied with 28 points for MDS Star. Clement had 27 points in a loss.
Copyright 1998-2007 Eurobasket Inc.
Irish abroad
Bad week for Irish players in ULEB Cup. Pat Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) and Jim Moran (200-F/G-79, college: William & Mary) lost their games and they must do a miracle to be in the Final Eight with their teams.
Khimki has to overcome a 23 points disadvantage, after lose in Russia against Joventut (73-96).
On the other and, Kalise Gran Canaria has the same problems that Khimki and possibly Jim Moran will watch Final Eight on TV. Galatasaray destroyed Moran's team (99-74). Chris Owens (204-F-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Texas) and former ACB player Charles Gaines (201-F-81, college: S.Mississippi) were the best players of the game while Moran did not score any point in 17:12 minutes.
Next Tuesday we will know the teams that will be in Turin.
Copyright 1998-2007 Eurobasket Inc.
Irish abroad
Pat Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) played a big match last weekend and with his 15 points helped to Khimky to get a very important triumph over Ural Great. Former Real Madrid player was on the court 18:52 minutes so he is prepared to face against DKV Joventut in a crucial Uleb Cup match today. Russian team wants to be in the Final Eight and the last pitfall to achieve it is Spanish team, coached by Aito Garcia. Pat Burke have started to be important and today could be a good chance to show that still is a good center to play in Europe.
Copyright 1998-2007 Eurobasket Inc.
Irish abroad: Jim Moran's team lost again
After two consecutives defeats, Kalise Gran Canaria remains far to the play off's positions. Last weekend, the team which coaches Salva Maldonado lost a good opportunity to climb along the classification. Polaris World Murcia played a serious match and got a very important triumph (80-71) for its challenge, which is to continue in ACB the next season. Irish man Jim Moran (200-F/G-79, college: William & Mary) scored six points, caught five rebounds and made four personals fouls. Murcia's player Federico Kammerichs (203-F-80) was the MVP with eigthteen points and eleven rebounds in adittion to two steals.
Copyright 1998-2007 Eurobasket Inc.
Irish players in Europe (ULEB Cup)
Great night for Irish players in the ULEB Cup. Last Tuesday, Khimki and Kalise Gran Canaria passed to the next round and, if they win their following matches, Pat Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) and Jim Moran (200-F/G-79, college: William & Mary) will be in Turin to play the Final Eight. However, after pass the last 32, Russian and Spanish teams will face with strong opponents like former Fiba Cup Champion Dkv Joventut and Serbian team Hemofarm, respectively,
Khimki solved without problems his two tournament matches against Koln 99ers. In this round, Pat Burke has played 15:47 minutes and scored 3.6 points per game.
On the other side, Jim Moran's team, Kalise Gran Canaria passed to the last 16 after overcome a 7 points disadvantage. In the decisive Tuesday night, Moran was in the five starting and remained in the court almost 30 minutes.
Copyright 1998-2007 Eurobasket Inc.
Killester and Tigers get wins in Round 15
The Irish Superleague leaders Killester and Tigers gained victories in Round 15. Killester overcame St. Vincent 99:93. Killester acquired a 3-point lead after the opening frame and continued to stay ahead after the intermission. However St. Vincent were able to keep the hosts in visibility. The home team finished the first half up by a single point 50:49. John Behan (193-G-85) ignited a run that opened up a 10-point lead for Killester in the third stanza. St. Vincent struggled to come back as the gap grew to 14 points heading into the fourth period. Killester ensured the winning outcome in the fourth term and posted their 13th win in the season. Michael Bonaparte (196-F-82, agency: IceBasket, college: Coll.of the Ozarks) led all scorers with 29 points. Arnaud Dahi (202-F-83, agency: IceBasket, college: ODU) contributed 22 points for the winners. Kenneth Gamble (201-F-75, college: N.Alabama) answered with 23 points for St. Vincent. Tim Madson (185-G) had 17 points as St. Vincent fell to 9-6 record.
Meanwhile Tigers secured their 12th success in the championship as they got to an 89:78 victory over Neptune on the road. Tigers dominated the game from the start and managed to accumulate a 45:36 advantage at halftime. Mathew Gorman (203-C-84, college: Syracuse) worked hard for Neptune to deny the deficit but his effort was not enough to change the complexion of the encounter. Tigers drove to an overall win and improved to 12-2 record in the standings. Mathew Gorman led the action with 34 points. Kieran O'Brien (203-F/C-82) added 15 points in a loss. Carl Hadley (193-F, college: Sam Houston St.) shone for Tigers with 28 points. Paris Katsimpas (183-G-84, college: Park) netted 19 points for the visitors.
Killester will take on Tigers in the key clash of the next round.
Copyright 1998-2007 Eurobasket Inc.
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