Waterford Vikings 87
Killarney Cougars 65
David Ahern reports
A slow start by the Killarney Cougars to this important National League Division 1game in Waterford on Saturday evening proved decisive as Waterford Vikings completed the double over the Cougars with a deserved victory,
Cougars were playing their first league game since late October and were not at the pace of the game in the opening quarter.
Vikings made the better start leading the first quarter 25-12 with Gytis opening the scoring with a good three to warm up the good home support.
Further three-pointers by Vikings Jay and Dale Kavanagh ensured a good lead with Andrew Fitzgerald making good start to the game with eight points for Cougars.
The Cougars were much improved in the second quarter with Darren Townes getting better possession as he scored six with Mark O’Shea adding seven points and a big three to finish the quarter 45-33, with Vikings maintaining their first quarter lead.
The third quarter saw Cougars continue their good run of scores to reduce the arrears to four points, 54-50, thanks to a good spread of scores by Esebio Strijdhaftig (6) Darren Townes (5) and Tommy Bowler (5).
The visitors looked to well in contention but the Vikings regrouped with Gytis Vasiliausukas hitting eight late in the quarter, including two big three -pointers to lift the home side to a big finish to the quarter to lead 68-53.
The final quarter belonged to the Vikings as they finished the stronger as both sides emptied the bench late on with good scores by Peadar Cronin and Nathan Cox only consolation as the Vikings continued to control the closing stages to ensure no further Cougars comeback on this occasion.
Next up for the Cougars is a big game at home game with high-flying league leaders the Eagles, with star performers Jason Killeen and Manny Peyton, leading the way for the Limerick side. The game will be at the Pres Gym on Saturday evening.
Top scorers for Cougars: Andrew Fitzgerald 15, Darren Townes 14, Mark O’Shea 13, Esebio Strijdhaftig 10 and Tommy Bowler 7
Waterford Vikings: Gytis Vasiliausukas 18, Daniel Sheehan 13 Freeman Brou 10, Jay Kavanagh 10 and Dale Kavanagh 9.
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