Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell Head Coach, Liam Culloty hailed the resilience of his side as they clinched a thrilling 85-84 comeback win over Fr Mathews to remain top of the MissQuote.ie Super League.
Shannon Brady and Ariel Johnson proved quite a handful for Brunell under the posts in Saturday’s Cork derby in Fr Mathews Arena, mopping up a total of 29 rebounds and 45 points.
But again, the visitors demonstrated the tenacity which has served them well this season, clawing their way back for a victory in which Edel Thornton hit 23 points, including two huge late scores from outside the arc.
Kyaja Victoria Williams accounted for 16 rebounds, while Lauren Homan, Jayla Nacole Johnson and Danielle O’Leary also made significant contributions to their tally.
“I'm so proud of our group” smiled Culloty. “They never gave up fighting and we had to really battle right to the end.
“Edel hit two massive threes in the last minute and when we needed stops the most, we got them.
“Lauryn hit two clutch free throws to seal the game. It was an incredible finish and I’m so pleased that we kept our composure despite being behind for most of the game.”
FloMAX Liffey Celtics continue to snap at the heels of the current table toppers after they weathered a lively test by Ulster University to record an 86-74 victory at Jordanstown Sports Village.
Just as they did last week against University of Galway Mystics, Sorcha Tiernan, Tianna Ayulo and Alexandra Navarette all went heavy on the basket, totalling 71 points to see the Leixlip side home and dry.
Claire Melia dominated under the boards as she soaked up 18 rebounds and hit 26 points, while Jiselle Thomas top scored on 28 to help Pyrobel Killester maintain their own title challenge as they beat Trinity Meteors 94-71 in Coláiste Íosagáin.
Big first and third-quarter runs saw SETU Waterford Wildcats shake off University of Galway Mystics for a 92-65 win in Mercy Gym, with Kate Hickey and Jade Compton each putting up 21 points for the hosts, while Shanai'jah Davison weighed in with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Defending champions, The Address UCC Glanmire managed to keep a gritty DCU Mercy outfit at bay to earn a 74-65 victory in Upper Glanmire Sports Hall, as Amaya West emerged the game’s top scorer on 25 points, while Chelsey Shumpert and Amy Dooley served up a combined 30 points and 20 rebounds.
In MissQuote.ie Division One, McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles recorded a convincing 92-70 win over Limerick Sport Huskies in the Virginia Show Centre, Oblate Dynamos returned to winning ways with an emphatic 79-50 victory at home to Moy Tolka Rovers and Phoenix Rockets beat Marble City Hawks 73-53 in O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club.
Sunday’s two fixtures in this division saw Templeogue storm to a comprehensive 101-50 victory over SETU Carlow in Nord Anglia International School before Limerick Celtics got the better of Abbey Seals Dublin Lions 79-51 in Crescent College.
Results:
MissQuote.ie Super League
Saturday December 16th
Catalyst Fr. Mathews 84 - 85 Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell
The Address UCC Glanmire 74 - 65 DCU Mercy
SETU Waterford Wildcats 92 - 65 University of Galway Mystics
Ulster University 74 - 86 FloMAX Liffey Celtics
Trinity Meteors 71 - 94 Pyrobel Killester
MissQuote.ie Division One
Saturday December 16th
McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles 92 - 70 Limerick Sport Huskies
Marble City Hawks 53 - 73 Phoenix Rockets
Oblate Dynamos 79 - 50 Moy Tolka Rovers
Sunday December 17th
Templeogue 101 - 50 SETU Carlow
Limerick Celtics 79 - 51 Abbey Seals Dublin Lions
