After a narrow win against Moycullen last weekend, UCD Marian fought hard to take local rivals, Hoops into overtime in a thrilling match in Belfield.

In a thrilling and physical encounter between UCD Marian and local rivals Shamrock Rovers Hoops, UCD came from a 23 point deficit to force the exciting game into overtime. It was a tough battle for both teams and every point was indeed hard earned. UCD and Hoops big men, Luke McCrone and Carlton Aaron respectively, fought it out inside until the bitter end.

UCD/Marian ended a run of seven consecutive defeats last weekend with a slender two point win over Moycullen and was hoping that this win would put them in contention for a playoff spot.

Going into the final quarter, and trailing by 21 points on a scoreline of 56 – 77, it looked all over for the home side but UCD turned it up, maybe remembering that a playoff place was at steak. An increase in intensity and commitment on defence and most importantly a series of spectacular three point shooting shooting from Conor Meany (4), Michael Higgins (2) and one each from Niall Meany, Luke McCrone and Ian McCormick led the home team to a fantastic comeback which saw Ian McCormick tie the game with a few seconds remaining on a scoreline of 92 – 92. Hoops had won each of the first three quarters, the first by 5, the second by 10 and the third quarter by 6 but UCD-Marian won the final quarter by 36 points to just 15 for Hoops.

Now in foul trouble with inside players Luke Mc Crone and Neil Baynes out of the game, big man Calton Aaron caused big problems as the game ran into extra time adding 12 of Hoops extra time points. UCDs shooting dried up and were forced to foul to stop the clock, Hoops finished comfortably ahead by 111 points to 102.

The game finished with four of Marians men confined to the bench with 5 fouls and Hoops star Phil Taylor (who was injured and did not play the last quarter) scored 14 for Hoops, Joey Haastrup had 16, Ciaran White ended up with 17 while big Carlton Aaron was the game’s top scorer on 36 points.  Menwhile, Conor Meany led the scoring for the students with 26 points, Luke McCrone had 20, Niall Meany contributed 18 while Neil Baynes had another good game and finished with 16 points.