Buzzer drama twice as Killorglin beat Neptune

MEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Scotts Lakers 125 Limerick Celtics 106

SCOTTS Lakers chalked up their biggest score of the season and had little trouble in disposing of the challenge of Limerick Celtics in a very high scoring encounter in Killarney Sports Centre last Saturday. It was a result that consolidated third place on the league table for the Lakers behind Fr Mathews and Ballincollig.

The Celtics had defeated Lakers by seven points when the sides clashed in the opening game of the season. It was a costly slip-up at the time for a Lakers side that have gone through a number of personnel changes since. New American signing Xavier Talton was making his home debut and enjoyed an impressive outing despite limited court time as league rules means that only one American player is allowed on the floor.

Lakers started well with Brian O’Neill setting the tone with an early three-pointer. He added two more three-pointers and Aaron Jackson sank a basket before Celtics got off the mark with a basket from Carlos Hortelano. Hortelano added further scores while his team-mate Kevin Oberweiser and James Murphy also added baskets. Meanwhile Lakers maintained pressure through baskets from Aaron Jackson ,Toby Christensen, Jamie O’Sullivan and Xavier Talton. Brian O’Neill had registered an impressive five three-pointers in the opening quarter and Scotts Lakers led 35-24 at the end of the first period.

Limerick’s Oberweiser ,Hortelano and Murphy continued to be the main scoring threat for the visitors. However Lakers were well on top with Toby Christensen, Aaron Jackson, Seamus Brosnan ,Brian O’Neill, Mick McGinn Carlton Cuff and Xavier Talton all on target to lead the home side to a 68-48 interval advantage.

Scotts Lakers extended their lead to 73-48 and it was 86-57 midway through the third quarter. The home side enjoyed a 98-74 lead entering the final quarter and the game appeared to be a foregone conclusion at this stage.

It was 106-78 after three minutes but Celtics went on a 12-0 run to narrow the gap to 106-90 midway through the final quarter.

However Lakers advantage was never really threatened and Seamus Brosnan, Xavier Talton and young Jack Corridon all added big three-pointers in the closing minutes. Young Jamie O’Sullivan was also impressive with a succession of baskets to help Scotts Lakers to a comfortable 19 point win in the end. The Killarney side had six players in double scoring figures and scored a total of 17 three-pointers with eight coming from the sharp shooting Brian O’Neill.

SCOTTS LAKERS: Aaron Jackson 26, Toby Christensen 25, Brian O’Neill 24, Xavier Talton 14, Seamus Brosnan 11, Jamie O’Sullivan 11, Mick McGinn 9, Jack Corridan 3, Carlton Cuff 2

LIMERICK CELTICS: Kevin Oberweiser 43, Carlos Hortelano 33 and James Murphy 15

Scotts Lakers will travel to Carlow on December 28 and will also compete in the annual Christmas Blitz in Castleisland. The next big home game is on Saturday January 4 when league leaders Ballincollig travel to Killarney Sports Centre.