Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell managed to steady the ship in the face of a second-half revival by FloMAX Liffey Celtics to clinch a 78-74 point victory, inflicting on Karl Kilbride’s team their first defeat in this season’s MissQuote.ie Super League in Gurranabraher Credit Union Arena on Sunday.
The home side opened up a nine-point advantage by the close of the first quarter, but with Sorcha Tiernan hitting 16 and Americans Alexandra Navarette and Tianna Ayulo chalking up a further 31 between them, Celtics managed to overtake into a three-point lead early in the fourth.
However, scores down the home straight by Jayla Johnson and Kyaja Victoria Williams along with a huge three-pointer by Aleksandra Macheta put the hosts back on the front foot and helped clinch a win that sees them three points clear at the top.
“We’re delighted to get over the line,” said Brunell head coach Liam Culloty.
“I was really happy with our first-half performance, considering we had the last three weekends off. The second-half was much tighter and Liffey played really well to take the lead with a few minutes to play.
“Alex Macheta hit a massive three for us when we needed it and, thankfully, we saw the game out from there. It gives us great momentum going into Cup weekend,” he added.
Ulster University surmounted the challenge of defending MissQuote.ie Super League champions The Address UCC Glanmire as they won out 87-74 at Jordanstown Sports Village.
A huge 37 points from Brynley Fitzgerald helped see DCU Mercy earn the bragging rights in their Dublin derby against Trinity Meteors, as they prevailed 77-62 at Trinity College.
Ariel Johnson turned in a monster performance for Catalyst Fr. Mathews, bagging 35 points and eight rebounds, as they beat University of Galway Mystics 74-106, while SETU Waterford Wildcats were made to work for their 110-89 point victory over Portlaoise Panthers at Mercy Gym. Nae Davison and Katie Hickey scored 29 and 27 points respectively for Tommy O’Mahony’s outfit.
St Paul’s Killarney extended their unbeaten run in the MissQuote.ie Division One to seven games after earning a 67-74 victory away to North Conference leaders, Templeogue. iSecure Swords Thunder went down 55-63 at home to Moy Tolka Rovers. Oblate Dynamos made it two wins on the bounce, as they dug out a 64-72 victory at Marble City Hawks and McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles beat Limerick Celtics 86-74. Sunday’s game saw Abbey Seals Dublin Lions defeat SETU Carlow 96-64.
InsureMyHouse.ie Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Quarter-Finals)
Saturday December 2nd
DCU Mercy vs Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell, DCU Arena, 14:30
SETU Waterford Wildcats vs FloMAX Liffey Celtics, Mercy Waterford, 17:00
Catalyst Fr. Mathews vs Ulster University. Fr. Mathews Arena, 17:00
Pyrobel Killester vs Trinity Meteors, IWA Clontarf, 18:15
