UCD Marian pulled out all the stops in front of a packed out crowd in the National Basketball Arena yesterday. The north side team were looking more green than orange by the end of the fourth quarter as the screams of the Marian supporters closed in a game that will be considered one of the greatest cup finals ever played.

UCD Marian produced one of the most memorable upsets of recent years to secure the historic 60-57 victory as no one in either the media or basketball gave them a chance.    It was Marian’s first appearance in a National Cup final, and they grabbed the opportunity with both hands, as they dethroned the reigning champions with a display of belief and fortitude that will live long in the memory.

UCD responded brilliantly to the challenge of a first final appearance and Head Coach Fran Ryan could barely conceal his delight having seen his club crowned as champions for the first time in their history.

“We always believed we could win this,” said Marian Head Coach Fran Ryan. “The more people said we were going to get beaten by ten or twelve, the more we believed we could win this. These guys all trust each other. It’s absolutely amazing.”
Ryan added the team had done plenty of work to prepare mentally for the game. “I have to say a special thanks to Enda McNulty (former Armagh footballer) who did a lot of work to get us ready mentally for today. I thought the way we performed and responded was exceptional.

“It’s difficult to put into words at the moment. There is so much work done in this club, I’m just a co-coordinator really. It’s just great for everyone involved. We’ll have to wait a few days to let it sink in.”

Ryan was also thrilled with the performance of ‘MVP’ James Crowder. “James is a young player who is still learning at this level. He showed his strength today with the way he reacted after coming off the bench.” He stated.

Jermaine Turner got Killester off the mark, but there was an almost instant response from fellow American James Crowder who hit three for UCD. Paul Meany followed up to give UCD an early 6-3 lead. UCD were clearly undaunted in the early stages, taking a 10-3 lead at the midway point of the first. Pete Madsen responded with three for Killester. Michael Higgins continued UCD’s impressive long range shooting with another three as UCD took an unlikely 14-6 lead. Michael Westbrooks hit back with two consecutive scores for Killester to reduce the gap to four. Killester hit back through John Behan to leave UCD with a 17-15 lead at the end of the first.

Killester came out firing in the second, Jermaine Turner giving his side a three point lead from outside. This could be seen as Turners only real contribution to the game as his usual inside dominance and athleticism was non existent. Barry Glover made sure UCD stayed in touch with two impressive scores. Mark Keenan’s side began to disrupt the UCD attack, as Fran Ryan’s charges began to miss shots they had been making with ease in the first quarter. It was looking ominous for UCD, who despite their impressive start, fell behind by ten with two and a half minutes remaining. Conor Meany tried to rally his side, but it was Killester who were looking worthy of their favourites tag with a 35-28 half time lead.

Dan James began the second half in ideal fashion for UCD, to bring the students within five. Killester are not treble champions for nothing however, and responded as champions do, using their strength under the boards to fashion a 41-32 lead. Killester were on course to retain their title, unless UCD coach Fran Ryan could transform the fortunes of his side. Crowder hit back-to-back three pointers for UCD as Ryan’s timeout talk began to pay dividends. UCD were still in with a shout heading into the final quarter, trailing (52-42).

The final quarter will go down in Irish Basketball folklore as one of the most dramatic ever. UCD slowly got to within range thanks to some excellent shooting from Crowder, Conor Meany, and Dan James. Some questionable substituting from Keenan and unusual lack of discipline saw Killesters Isaac Westbrooks fouled subsequently conceding their quota of team fouls. This allowed UCD to go to the line twice in a row and hand UCD the most incredible three point lead. Killester tried a shot on the buzzer, but it was to be UCD’s day. Final score in a pulsating cup final, (UCD Marian 60 - 11890 Killester 57). It was indeed a family affair as Paul Meany, executive chairman of Basketball Ireland and father of Conor and team Captain Niall Meany, was proudly able to present his sons with the winners medals and National Cup Trophy 2011!

Scorers: 11890 Killester 57 (35) (J Turner 12, P Kelly 10, P Madsen 9) UCD Marian 60 (28) (J Crowder 17, C Meany 12, N Baynes 10)
MVP; James Crowder (UCD Marian)

Team: James Crowder, Cathal Finn, Michael Higgins, Conor James, Daniel James, Matthew Kelly, Patrick Young, Niall Meany, Neil Baynes, Barry Glover and Conor Meany.  Coach: Fran Ryan.