Fulton refusing to get carried away despite terrific start

Pleased: Adrian Fulton HEAD coach Adrian Fulton insists Belfast Star are “not the finished article” despite maintaining their place at the top of the All Ireland Superleague with a 106-88 victory over Moycullen.

Star found themselves under the cosh in the first half and at one stage trailed 29-24 before only leading by a point, 50-49, at the break.

Moycullen brought plenty of energy to the court and Fulton admitted he felt his men had started a little off the pace before eventually moving through the gears and grabbing the game by the throat.

American Mike Davis was at his swashbuckling best as he finished with a game-high 37 points, despite six minutes from the end having to withdraw from the game with a damaged finger.

“Walking to the changing room at half-time it obviously would have been easy to have a real go at the guys because defensively they just were not at the level expected,” said Fulton.

“But it was a time to stay calm and just reiterate the things we have been working on and to their credit they responded very well.

“You couldn’t give up 49 points in a half every week and expect to win all the time at this level so that is a reminder that we are not the finished article and there are things to be worked on.”

Fulton hailed the class of American Davis and Slovenian Mark Berlic who contributed 24 points and was central to the rise in intensity in the third quarter when Star took over.

“Mike was unplayable at times. He can shoot from the outside and he also has the dribbling skills that when you get tight he can go past you in a heartbeat,” added Fulton.

“He’s got a great attitude, a real team player and really exciting to watch.

“The crowd were terrific — it was great to see that it was standing room only.

“It seems to be getting bigger and bigger.

“All 12 guys were on the court and that pleased me too — everyone contributed and we just have to look to keep improving.”