Warriors win keeps them in play-off places

MEN’S SUPERLEAGUE Garveys Tralee Warriors 87 DCU Saints (St Vincents) 80

WHEN Garveys Tralee Warriors met DCU Saints in the fifth round of the league in Tralee, in early November, they were comfortable 78-60 winners, even if the issue was in doubt for most of the final quarter.

An almost similar scenario unfolded in Dublin last Sunday, except that Saints, on this occasion, registered a much higher scoring tally, which was due in part to Warriors defensive frailties for almost three quarters of the tie. It was only in the final quarter that the visitors fully came to grips with the situation.

In their last league outing against Moycullen in the National Arena, coach Mark Bernsen paired Dusan Bogdanovic and Goran Pantovic to very good effect in the post-up positions. However, on this occasion he elected to start with just Pantovic, and Warriors from the outset struggled to contain the imposing input of Martin Provizors, who effected fifteen rebounds overall, eight of which were offensive. Bogdanovic was introduced off the bench, but picked up three first half fouls, which meant that he could only be used intermittently thereafter, and eventually he fouled out of the game in the final quarter.

Saints repeatedly breached Warriors rearguard formation throughout all of the opening quarter, and with Eoin Darling, Conor Gilligan, and Martin Provizors all on target they opened up a lead which was maintained for three quarters of the tie.

Trae Pemberton, as ever, kept Warriors challenge intact, but really they were fortunate to be just three adrift, 29-26, at the end of the opening quarter.

With the extremely prolific Provizors netting eight points early in the second, Vincents consolidated their situation even further, but with Fergal O’Sullivan impressive, and netting some vital baskets Warri- ors kept in touch. Pemberton picked up two fouls, and was withdrawn for a period late in the first half, but Warriors were still 46-45 behind at the interval.

Having conceded 46 points, their largest in a first half to date this season, there was certainly a need for Bernsen to address this aspect of their play, given the ease and frequency with which the home side were able to capitalise in offensive situations.

Kevin O’Hanlon’s scoring returns helped to maintain Saints advantage, but there was signs that Warriors had eradicated some of their deficiencies with Pantovic netting a few good baskets, and Ryan Leonard displaying the type of form which has marked him out as such an exciting talent all season.

In what was at all times a pretty keenly contested encounter, Saints, urged on by the large home support, maintained their momentum with Graham Brannelly and Provizors inspiring their challenge.

They carried a slender 63-62 lead into the fourth quarter, and it is significant that Warriors have almost inevitably to date produced a strong finish throughout that particular period, and they responded in such fashion on this occasion. Central to their dominance down the stretch was the input of Kieran Donaghy in all facets of play, who along with Pantovic was at this stage on four fouls.

Donaghy effected a number of blocks and steals, and, his final tally of 13 points and 11 rebounds were hugely significant statistics while Darragh O’Hanlon’s defensive endeavours in direct opposition to Eoin Darling were also quite notable. However, with the issue delicately poised Pemberton provided a scoring surge that included a hat trick of threes, which ultimately afforded the Tralee side their sixth win on the spin with, their last league defeat being back on December 10.

The victory ensures that Warriors are still in fourth spot in the table, with twelve wins, the same as UCD Marian, but having played one more game. Templeogue, who beat UCC Demons in Cork at the weekend, still lead with Swords Thunder in second spot.

With Swords winning the National Cup at the weekend it has boosted Warriors play-off chances, and as things stand with Warriors still having to play six games, with Swords, Marian and Templeogue being three of those, it looks as if they will be competing with Killester for the final spot. The Dublin outfit currently have won three games less than Warriors, but have also played three games less.

Warriors next outing will be against Killester in Tralee on Saturday February 11 with an earlier tip off time of 5pm, given that Kerry play Mayo in the National Football League in Tralee later that evening. Warriors are not in action this weekend, but will be spending some time in South Kerry where they will play an exhibition game in Colaiste Na Sceilige, Caherciveen on Saturday at 5pm.

The game is being staged in conjunction with the Sea Lodge Hotel Waterville and is a joint fundraiser the Caherciveen Basketball Club and Recovery Haven. Along with the Superleague squad it is hoped that a few stars from the past will also participate. SCORERS

TRALEE WARRIORS: T Pemberton (33) R Leonard (21), K Donaghy (13), G Pantovic (8),F O Sullivan (7),D O Hanlon (4), D Bogdanovic (1)

DCU SAINTS: M Provizors (29), G Brannelly (14), K O Hanlon (13), E Darling (10) A Makarenko (7) C Gilligan (3), D Heaney (2) T Guebali (2)