Men’s Basketball League play-off quarter-final
Preview: Enda Walshe
Scott’s Lakers find themselves in the familiar territory of the end of season play-offs and will roll into this weekend’s quarter-final in a good headspace.
A strong finish to the season, which yielded four straight wins, saw them notch 14 victories in the regular season, chasing the second placed Titans all the way. The reward for finishing third is an away trip to the Northern Conference runners up Ulster University and the Jordanstown Sports Village will play host to the game on Saturday at 5.30pm.
Elsewhere the league’s form team Limerick Celtics will attempt to hunt down the Drogheda Wolves, Portlaoise Panthers won the Northern Conference and they will play Moycullen while the remaining quarter-final sees Moy Tolka Rovers take on the Titans. The four winners will go through to the semi-finals which will be played on the last weekend in March, with the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght hosting the final on April 12.
Ulster University will be a tough proposition for Manuel Suarez’s side and their record can rival any teams in the division. They lost their opening two games of the season but dusted themselves down to win seven of their next eight games. They were in Killarney less than a month ago where a strong showing in the two middle quarters helped them to an 85-72 win.
The Lakers will have taken huge confidence from their finishing run to the season and there was a noticeable improvement in their speed and ball movement in recent weeks. With a player like Darnell Snyers you get speed and dexterity at the point while Mikah Blackwell has been most effective this weather taking the ball to the rim.
Abdul Oladipupo has always contributed offensively but his defensive work on the quicksilver Josh Reynolds last weekend was outstanding. Rui Saravia is never found wanting for leadership, something the squad’s younger players are tapping into.
Eoin Carroll had a season’s best 27 points in Tipperary while Jack O’Sullivan has been very consistent recently when taking into account his Under 20 National League input as well. Mark Sheehan’s outside shooting has been a huge weapon at critical stages while Oisin Spring’s form in recent months has seen him make crucial interventions at both ends of the floor.
Jamie O’Sullivan has seen his court time increase and he will be keen to make the most of his input. Similarly, Darragh O’Callaghan has made huge strides this season, not by accident but by his commitment and dedication.
It’s a big challenge for this young Lakers’ squad, travelling up to Belfast to face one of the league’s strongest sides. But with youth comes no fear and they will be looking to put their best foot forward and see where it takes them.
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