News & Fixtures

 

UCD Marian had a disappointing double header weekend in what is a series of equally disappointing results following their National Cup win. This is Marians third loss in a row and as play offs loom, it is more important than ever to claim these crucial wins.

UCD Marian had a disappointing double header weekend in what is a series of equally disappointing results following their National Cup win.

This is Marians third loss in a row and as play offs loom, it is more important than ever to claim these crucial wins.

Marian

 

The first match on Saturday night was a cross conference clash against Neptune. Marians record is not a positive one against the Cork team, loosing all previous meetings.  It was a game that both spectators and the young team would not like to be repeated as a positive strong start turned into an offensive display for Neptune.  Bord Gais Neptune was seen to be sending out serious signals to the rest of the league with this their second impressive win in the space of a week. It finished a high scoring 103-91 game and a win away to the Cup champions.

 

“The two wins are exactly what we needed after the concern of not having played too many games recently,” said Neptune Head Coach Pat Price. “I am delighted we managed to convert 103 points against a Play-Off team and the cup winners.

 

“Our guys understand the importance of winning on the road and that could be crucial when we reach the Play-Off’s,” added Price. “Our transition game was good against UCD and we attacked the basket regularly and drew a lot of fouls which is always going to frustrate them. We have a couple of difficult games left in the regular season but hopefully we are on the right track ahead of the Play-Off’s.”

 

In Sunday’s fixture, Belfast Star ensured they too stayed in the Play Off race at the hands of Marian. The 86-72 loss for UCD Marian was again a disappointing result as they had claimed a win from the northern side just two weeks previously.

Star had to come from behind as they trailed 57-48 at the break but their influential US star Clayton Longmire was once again to the fore with 27 points.

The win sees them close the gap on third place UCD to five points but the Northern outfit have three games in hand.

 

Marian only have one game left in the regular league before the playoff positions are confirmed, however UCD face their cup final opponents, Killester who, following their win on Saturday have already secured their place in the playoffs.

 

To provide some consolation to the weekend, UCDs point guard Conor Meany picked up the accolade of Player of the Month for his endeavours during January. Conor averaged 15.6 points per game during the month while leading UCD Marian to the club’s first-ever appearance and victory in the National Cup Finals. UCD won four games during this time with Meany netting a personal tally of 28 points in the National Cup Semi Finals in Cork. Currently, Meany ranks third in assists in the league.

 

Coach Fran Ryan also was awarded Phillips Ireland Manager of the Month among all sports.

Fran Ryan, himself a former player on the UCD Marian team, expressed his delight at the recognition of the award but was quick to embrace and involve his assistant coaches and of course the performance of the team for their part in the victory.