David Ahern reports
Killarney Cougars 61
Waterford Vikings 74
There was a strong home performance for three quarters of this game but Killarney Cougars missed the chance of a first win of the season as a last quarter comeback by the Waterford Vikings secured the points in a entertaining game at the Presentation Gym.
The Cougars were quickly into their stride with Darren Townes dominant with eight points, Andrew Fitzgerald hitting six while Esebio Strijdhatig on four was also impressing but the visitors responded well with a couple of big three-pointers from captain Jay Kavanagh to keep the Cougars’ lead to just a basket, 20-18.
The Cougars continued to lead through the second quarter with a good spread of scores with Peadar Cronin and Patrick O’Regan sharing 10 points and they increased that advantage to 36-18 at half-time, with Esebio Strijdhatig driving to the board adding some great baskets.
Vikings’ Jay Kavanagh continued to find the range with big scores and American Freeman Brou was coming into the game more, earning some good baskets to keep the visitors well in contention at the break with Cougars ahead 36-28. It was the home side’s best quarter of the game deserving a more of a lead on the scoreboard.
The Vikings had a very strong third quarter with a spirited performance and saw a good spread of scores by Denis Miculescu (6), Gytis Vasiliauskas (4) and Freeman Brou (7), the latter including a big three late in the quarter, to put the visitors into the lead at the end.
Cougars’ Townes hit six and Strijdhatig notched seven but they were the side’s only scorers in a difficult period as the visitors lead by 49-50 at the end of the third quarter.
The Vikings had great momentum going into the final quarter and despite good pressure from Cougars, with young Jack Lynch adding six points, it was not enough as the Waterford defence denied the Cougars a chance to regain the lead, forcing errors on a tiring home side.
When Darren Townes was fouled out with a couple of harsh offensive calls, it saw the visitors gain control with Freeman Brou baskets and Gytis Vasiliausukas finishing strongly with two big threes to secure the points and a first win of the season.
Overall, it was a big improvement by the Cougars in the opening three quarters of this game but foul trouble for American Darren Townes proved costly in the finish, in a competitive game before a good attendance.
Next up for the Killarney side is a tough away trip to Limerick Sport Eagles.
Killarney Cougars: Esebio Strijdhatig (18), Darren Townes (15), Andrew Fitzgerald (11), Jack Lynch (7).
Waterford Vikings: Freeman Brou (25), Jay Kavanagh (19), Gytis Vasiliausukas (14).
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