Lakers stage stunning comeback to overhaul Ulster Elks in overtime
MEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Scotts Lakers St. Paul’s 97 Ulster Elks 93 (after overtime)
PLAYING under coach Cormac O’Donoghue for the first time, Scotts Lakers recovered from a 16-point deficit to clinch a sensational overtime win over Ulster Elks in Killarney on Saturday.
Trailing 63-47 late in the third quarter, the Killarney side clawed their way back and a dramatic buzzer beating three-pointer from Mihail Kapitanov forced one period of overtime where the Lakers took control to clinch the win.
Scotts Lakers started brightly racing 16-7 ahead thanks to a three-pointer from Mark Greene and five points from Dan Griffin. However Ulster Elks began to find their range with Luke Eddy and Brendan Mullan leading the way as they hit 15 unanswered points to enjoy a 22-18 lead at the end of the first quarter.
It was a closely contested second quarter with Justin Tuason and Padraig Lucey prominent for Scotts Lakers in the early part while three-pointers from Kapitanov and Antuan Bootle also kept the home side in contention but Elks finished stronger and were 44-38 in front at half-time.
The visitors dominated much of the third quarter and when they opened up a 16-point lead (63-47) with two minutes left, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Lakers. Despite late baskets from Lucey and Andrew Fitzgerald, Elks still enjoyed a commanding 65-53 lead entering the final quarter.
Scotts Lakers never gave up as an early three-pointer from Mark Greene was followed with impressive scores from Andrew Fitzgerald, Dan Griffin, Kapitanov and Tuason. Elks still led by six points with 90 seconds left before the outstanding Padraig Lucey narrowed the gap to 76-73 as the game entered the final minute.
With time running out team captain Philip O’Connor set up Kapitanov for a last throw of the dice and the experienced point guard raised the roof as he sank the biggest score of the night as the final buzzer sounded.
Despite having Greene and Griffin fouled out, Lakers had the momentum with them for overtime and opened up a six-point lead with the dominant Lucey on fire while Tuason really stepped up when the home side really needed a leader on the floor. His steals, incredible scores and athleticism and skilful ability helped keep the Lakers in front to lead 95-88 with 24 seconds left.
Elks weren’t finished as Luke Eddy narrowed it to two points but the calmness and accuracy of Kapitanov steered the Lakers to safety. His automatic free-throw shooting eventually secured the four point win for Scotts Lakers after an epic battle.
A big win for the Killarney side and it puts them in a strong position to challenge for a place in the top half of the league table. Coach O’Donoghue got a great all round team performance from his players. Lucey, Tuason and Kapitanov were all worthy contenders for an MVP award while Greene, Griffin, Bootle, Fitzgerald, O’Connor and Clernon all made significant contributions. SCOTTS LAKERS: