ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers and iSecure Swords Thunder deliver in overtime to progress on National Cup stage

ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers clinched a 97-95 overtime victory on the road against Maigh Cuilinn to book their place in the 2024/25 President’s National Cup quarter-finals on Saturday night, while iSecure Swords Thunder also required overtime to see off Templeogue 74-66 in their Women’s Division One National Cup clash in ALSAA on Sunday.

ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers had to go to overtime to clinch a 97-95 win on the road against Maigh Cuilinn that saw them secure further passage to the quarter-finals of the President’s National Cup on Saturday night.

Both sides unleashed several of their big guns in this tense battle, with James Phelan, Eric Anderson and Liam Kinsella totalling 62 points for Portlaoise, while Grant Olsson, Antonio Calvente and James Loughnane put up a combined 75 for the hosts.

In the end, it was the visitors who prevailed, Gary Morrissey and Phelan combining for seven in overtime to help see them over the line.

“I’m just delighted to get out of here with a win” said a relieved Portlaoise Panthers Head Coach, Jack Scully after the game.

“I felt we were our own worst enemy in different parts, both defensively and moving the ball offensively, but, look, cup games are about winning, so we’re delighted to get over the line and head for a quarter-final in a few weeks.”

Carrick Cruisers picked up their very first win of the season, fending off the challenge of Team NorthWest 83-70 in the Phoenix Centre on Saturday for their spot in the last eight of the President’s National Cup.

Benyi Gomez and Shamus Kahl combined for 37 points as Carrick ended the game with five players in double figures to see off a NorthWest team, whose offence hinged primarily on Alberto Rodriguez and the 29 points he served up.

Limerick Sport Eagles fought their way back from eight points down early in the third quarter to earn a 94-87 victory over Ulster University in their opening round clash in St. Munchin’s on Saturday afternoon.

Alexander Carlisle and Ignacio Folgueiras played a significant part in that fightback with a combined 49 points and 14 rebounds that went a long way to countering Ulster’s heavy hitters in Nathan Karren, Conor Liston and Curtis Larousse who totalled 73 points, the latter also carding 17 rebounds and eight assists.

Titans BC turned the screw on Scotts Lakers Killarney in the first and third quarters to run out 92-71 winners in Ballinfoile Community Centre.

Declan Gbinigie’s 22 points was the highest total among the five players who finished up in double digits for the home side, as even Mikah Blackwell’s 31-point total was not enough to help rescue this game for Killarney.

Moy Tolka Rovers made it three wins on the bounce as they despatched SETU Waterford Vikings from the opening round of President’s National Cup, winning out 99-75 at home on Saturday night.

Emiliyan Grudov served up a game-high 30 points for the hosts, while Mike Wallace made his presence felt with 24 to help see off a Waterford outfit, for whom Aaron Jackson bagged 26.

Mater Private Malahide bounced back from two straight defeats on the Division One front, seeing off Tipp Talons 88-77 for their place in the President’s Cup quarter-finals in Malahide Community School on Saturday.

A big third quarter in which they outscored their opponents by 12 points proved a pivotal period in this encounter that saw Romonn Nelson and Murray Hendry each hit 23 points for the winners.

Joels Dublin Lions were unable to maintain the winning form they demonstrated over the course of the double-game weekend in Division One the previous week when they took on Limerick Celtics in the opening round of the President’s Cup in Coláiste Bríde, losing out 90-77.

Ariyon Williams was 52 percent from the field as he racked up a huge 38 points, while Finn Hughes carded 16 points and 14 rebounds to help see off the Clondalkin side, whose own Aidan Igiehon  chalked up 27 points and 14 rebounds.

Wrapping up the first round of fixtures in the President’s National Cup, Drogheda Wolves ran out emphatic 113-85 winners over Killarney Cougars in Presentation Gym on Saturday night. 

The lone Women’s Division One National Cup fixture this weekend proved a thriller as iSecure Swords Thunder and Templeogue went to overtime in ALSAA, the homeside eventually emerging 74-66 victors in the end.

Looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season in the league against McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles the week before, Swords managed to pull clear over the additional five minutes of this Dublin derby, Makayla Miller and Jasmine Walker serving up nine points in that decisive period to take their game total to 48.

“We’re delighted to get the win in a tough game against Templeogue” said iSecure Swords Thunder Head Coach, Paul Carr.

“It was back and forth for the whole game and probably wasn't our best performance, but we got over the line and can look forward to the next round” he smiled.