UCD Marian U20 side came away with the runners up medals as Galway side Maree got their revenge on last years defeat.

An MVP performance from Maree’s Liam Conroy, proved inspirational as Sean Conroy’s side atoned for the heartbreak of last season’s loss to Saturday’s opponents.

It was UCD/Marian who started the brighter, opening up a 5-0 lead with Daniel James among the early scores.

Maree finally got the breakthrough after six minutes with a breakaway basket from Colm O’Hagan before a three from the Guard opened up a 6-5 lead.

Both teams settled into the contest with Ciaran Harte pulling down a massive rebound pass to Kenneth Hansberry to tie the game at 11-11 at the end of the first quarter.

UCD/Marian pulled away to lead 19-14 in the early stages of the second quarter but Maree were proving dogged opponents and the bounced back to lead 22-19 with Con Crowley, Conor O’Hagan and Liam Conroy all helping to give them a 22-19 lead.

UCD took the advantage with a huge three from Conor James and then an inspirational tip in from Cathal Finn extended the lead to 28 – 26. Maree’s Liam Conroy hit a big three to take a one point lead at the break 29 – 28. 

Maree showed their mettle after the re-start, managing to conjure up an eight point lead (38-30) but Conor James had other ideas with a big three.

A great steal from Kenneth Hansberry resulted in another basket for Maree and it was to help them create a gap of 10 points between the sides at the end of the third quarter.

Maree continued their dominance in the final quarter with a long range three from Liam Conroy leaving the Westeners with one hand on the cup as they entered the final straight. Their shooting was proving the difference with Con Crowley also making a huge difference. UCD’s woes continued when they forced into an eight second half court turnover but it proved to be Maree’s day on a scoreline of 70-57.

UCD Marian (Dublin) 57 (28) (C James 19, D James 18, C Finn 16) Maree (Galway) 70 (29) (L Conroy 21, K Hansberry 16, Colm O’Hagan 11)
Maree turned on the style to overcome UCD/Marian to claim the Men’s Under-20 National Cup crown in the final of Saturday’s games at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.