UCD Marian hosted Galway team Moycullen, in a cross conference match up last sunday here in belfield.

UCD Marian had a narrow victory over Galway visitors, Moycullen on Sunday here in Belfield. It was a close match in the end with Moycullen pulling out all the stops following star player Cian Nihill leaving on 5 fouls and UCD Marian suffering at the exit of their big man Luke McCrone.

It has been a rollercoaster ride for the two teams both having a mere three wins this season before the Sunday encounter. There have been some disappointing and extremely close defeats for both and at the same time some very surprising wins such as UCDs win over Northern Conference leaders Killester.

UCD-Marian started strong and with ten points from Neil Baynes, the students led 24 -19 at the end of the first quarter despite 11 points from Moycullen’s American point guard, Puff Summers. 

In the second quarter, UCD’s Cathal Finn took on the role of closely marking the American and the home side posted another solid quarter to lead by a hopeful 10 at the break, 46 – 36.

Although the third quarter was closer, with UCD Marian winning by just one point, the home side looked comfortable leading 66 – 55 as the final quarter began. The final quarter was a different story. A combination of a press by Moycullen, sloppy passes, a lot of turn-overs, bad shot selection, key players in foul trouble and to rub salt in the wounds some spectacular shooting Moycullens Puff Summers.

Summers, who finished with 34 points was seen to change the momentum of the game a few minutes into the final quarter and with 7 minutes remaining on the clock, Moycullen had reduced the deficit to just two points, 66-64. 

With five minutes to go, Cian Nihill (on 17 points) fouled out for Moycullen, and Neil Baynes’ free throws gave the home side a three point lead, 73 -70.  Further baskets from Puff Summers then swung the game back towards Moycullen on a scoreline of 73 – 74. A further basket from Summers stretched the away team’s lead but then free throws from Conor Meany and a nice team play finished off by captain Niall Meany gave UCD-Marian the lead again (79 -76). 

Unfortunately for UCD, n the next offence, with two minutes on the clock, Luke McCrone, UCD’s Canadian was called for a fifth offensive foul. He reacted to the referee’s questionable call who then subsequently called a technical foul.  Four free throws later from Garnet Griffin and Puff Summers saw the game tied 79 – 79. 

One of two free throws from Neil Baynes (who top scored for UCD on 23 points) gave the home side the lead on 80 – 79 with one minute remaining.  Good defence held out Moycullen and with four seconds remaining, UCD’s Conor Meany was fouled. He hit the first but missed the second free throw. 81 – 79 to Marian.  Puff Summers got the ball and got off a two point effort which hit the ring but stayed out to the relief of the home team and supporters.  UCD-Marian squeaked home on a final scoreline of 81-79.

Even with this win UCD Marian remain at the bottom of the Northern Conference despite ending a run of seven consecutive defeats as Ulster Elks gained wins over Hoops and Neptune on Thursday and Sunday respectively.