UCD Marians positive start to the season is starting to fade as they were subject to a disappointing second loss in a row.

Belfast Star celebrated their first win of the season in Dublin against UCD Marian 85-75.

Star’s USA player Clayton Longmire netted an impressive 32 points and was supported by teammates Stephen Dawson and Scott Summersgill who combined for 28 points to give their Northern club its first success.

It was a very sloppy start to the game with both teams turning it over and failing to convert shots. The first quarter finished 14-14. In the second Marian started to find their way. A Cathal Finn steal set up James Crowder for the put back slam. This was followed up by another dunk for the students when Neil Baynes finished off the fast break.

UCD Marian were leading by 6 at half time and early in the second half Marian extended its lead to 8 but then came the Star comeback. Clayton Longmire dominated inside and that opened things up for Stars shooters with Dawson, Summersgill and Johnston all hitting from deep. Star opened up a 7 point lead with 1:30 to go before Crowder hit a there to cut the lead to 4. A Marain stop set up Crowder for another three with 1 minute on the clock but it rimmed out. Star scored on the next possession, hit their free throws and held on for the win.

Marians American James Crowder contributed 27 points but a deeper bench for Belfast Star proved too much for the Dublin side.

“We played amazing defence in the second half and it feels so good to win” said Star Head Coach Danny Fulton.

“We got all ten players out onto the court and everyone contributed. Even with being so young, everyone did their job and we are excited about the win”.

Belfast Star lie behind Marian in the Northern Conference however Star have a game in hand. Marian plays the other northern side, Ulster Elks this weekend in what’s sure to be an exciting match up. Marian beat Elks by a comfortable 91-75 in their last encounter in UUJ however Elks were missing star player, Kevin Foley. Elks opened their season with a fantastic win at home to Cork side, Demons, however now too struggle to find consistency within.