By Lorcan Kelly  

Limerick Celtics played stifling defense to beat UCD Marian at Belfield, with Sebastian Cole scoring 23 points. Tanner Graham led the home side with 22 points in a tough loss for UCD Marian.

Q1: Both teams came out with high-intensity defence, including a nasty block from Limerick’s Tiras Morton. UCD started moving the ball well to try to open up the Celtics’ zone, but Tiras Morton kept up the pressure with lockdown defence and a steal. Tanner Graham started well with 5 points, including a three, helping open up the zone. Limerick’s defence was too good, though, and UCD went cold from outside, allowing the Celtics to open a 7-point lead. It was 24-17 to Limerick at the end of the first quarter.

Q2: UCD began the second quarter with solid defence, especially from Dimitris Theoharis, but strong Limerick offensive rebounding helped the Celtics maintain their lead. UCD made an effort to come back with two steals from Laurynas Andrijauskas and a good shift from Isaiah Taylor, who had 9 points and a block. Limerick’s defence caused a couple of turnovers, though, and UCD went into the half down 51-43.

Q3: Limerick’s Peter Turay worked inside and Sebastian Cole continued creating off the dribble, getting to the basket with a lightning-quick first step inside early, but momentum shifted in UCD’s favour as the Celtics’ hot shooting ran out. UCD cut the lead from 16 points down to 7, and it was 63-56 to Limerick after three quarters.

Q4: Limerick Celtic’s defence stifled UCD in the final quarter, causing multiple turnovers and fuelling a 12-0 run. Tiras Morton was particularly good, with two blocks and more lockdown defence. Limerick played well as a unit, with six players scoring over 10 points during the match, helping them win 98-79.