National League

Mar 31 2024

UCD Marian earn InsureMyVan.ie Division One Final berth while iSecure Swords Thunder and St. Paul’s Killarney reach League Trophy decider

UCD Marian secured their place in this season’s InsureMyVan.ie Division One Final following their 107-99 home win over SETU Carlow on Saturday night, while iSecure Swords Thunder and St. Paul’s Killarney will meet again in another title showdown after respective wins over Limerick Celtics (67-58) and Limerick Sport Huskies (96-75) propelled them through to the MissQuote.ie League Trophy decider.

An impressive first quarter proved crucial in seeing UCD Marian prevail 107-99 in their InsureMyVan.ie Division One playoff semi-final at home against SETU Carlow on Saturday night.

A combined 15 points from Tobias Christensen and Jonathan Jean over the course of the opening 10 minutes helped see the homeside take an eight-point advantage into the second quarter.

And despite the best efforts of Carlow, they were unable to close the gap on their rivals despite Michael Wallace putting up a huge 35 points for the visitors on the night.

Jean managed to better that total with a haul of 39 for UCD, while Christensen proved exceptional under the boards as he soaked up 22 rebounds and also served up seven assists and 24 points.

Speaking after his side’s victory, UCD Marian head coach, Ioannis Liapakis said “It was a great game to watch and we're thrilled with the result and our performance.

“The only negative thing from tonight was our defence, which was way below our standards.

“But, so far, it's been a phenomenal season for us and everyone in the club is extremely happy and proud of our players” he added.

In what will be a repeat of this season’s MissQuote.ie Division One Final, iSecure Swords Thunder will face off against St. Paul’s Killarney in the 2023/24 League Trophy decider after they beat Limerick Celtics 67-58 in Sunday evening’s semi-final in ALSAA.

Jasmine Walker nailed four of her six attempts from beyond the arc on her way to a game-high 28 points for the Dubliners, while Jensen Caretti and Peggy Black combined for a further 35 points and 16 rebounds.

Every bit of their contribution was needed to fend off this season’s InsureMyHouse.ie Division One National Cup champions, for whom Samantha Coleman put up 24 points, with Mikayla Brandon carding a further 16, along with 18 rebounds.

“We’re delighted to be looking forward to another final in the National Basketball Arena in two weeks time” said Paul Carr, iSecure Swords Thunder head coach.

“It’s not easy to beat the National Cup champions three times in a season and Celtics pushed us all the way in all those games, so we’re delighted to get the win.

“This is a special group of players and to be in two finals in our first year is amazing” he remarked.

This season’s MissQuote.ie Division One champions, St. Paul’s Killarney moved to within one game of making it a double after they beat Limerick Sport Huskies 96-75 in Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre on Thursday night to secure their place in the League Trophy decider.

Even a huge 34 points and 13 rebounds from Scout Frame was not enough to help Limerick defy the odds against an impressive St. Paul’s outfit, who had opened up a 30-point lead heading into the final quarter, with Sofia Paska, Khiarica Rasheed and Rheanne O’Shea combining for 64 points and 29 rebounds on the night.

“I’m very impressed that we have continued our good form since our league win” said St. Paul’s Killarney head coach, James Fleming.

“We had so many good performances, with four players on high-scoring figures.

“We’re really looking forward to the League Cup Final on the 13th and we’ll prepare properly over the next two weeks. It's a great time for the club” he smiled.