Lakers secure second place in Division One
MEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Scotts Lakers 75 Fr Mathews 55
SCOTTS Lakers secured the second place spot in Division One of the National League following an impressive 20-point victory over nearest challengers Fr Mathews in The Pres Gym, Killarney last Saturday night. Despite lining out without Mick McGinn and Mark Greene and losing Toby Christensen to injury in the first half, the Killarney side dominated the exchanges throughout and always looked like winning this game.
Exchanges were close in the opening quarter and baskets from Carlton Cuff, Toby Christensen, Aaron Jackson, Xavier Talton and Seamus Brosnan helped the Lakers to a 18-14 lead at the end of the first period.
Brian O’Neill found his range from three-point land hitting nine points from beyond the arc while Toby Christensen was dominant under the boards where Fr Mathews struggled to contain his scoring spree of eight points in a row. Lakers had opened up an 11 point lead midway through the second quarter and with Seamus Brosnan also playing a very prominent role, the home side were 42-26 in front at half-time.
Despite losing the influential Toby Christensen with an elbow injury before the interval break, Scotts Lakers continued to dominate in the second half with dual star Paul Clarke coming off the bench and made an instant impression.
Lakers were 48-30 in front in the opening three minutes of the half and maintained that advantage leading 5436 late in the third quarter. Fr Mathews continued to battle hard Darko Bucan, Declan Cahill, Jack and Luke O’Mahony but Lakers still enjoyed a 56-41 lead entering the final quarter.
Fr Mathews narrowed it to 58-48 with six minutes remaining following god work from Jarvis Pugh and Jack O’Mahony. However Scotts Lakers were always in control with Brian O’Neill nailing his fourth three-pointer of the night while Aaron Jackson and Paul Clarke also did well.
Xavier Talton was particularly impressive when he was afforded extensive court time and his scoring threat and clever assist play was appreciated by all. Seamus Brosnan enjoyed his best game of the season and was a popular choice for match MVP as the Lakers coasted to a 20-point win. SCOTTS LAKERS: Toby Christensen 17, Seamus Brosnan 15, Xavier Talton 13, Brian O’Neill 13.
FR MATHEWS: Jack O’Mahony 16, Jarvis Pugh 12, Darko Bucan 11.