The second men’s Pat Duffy semi final was touted to be a showdown as the game was at capacity: an all-Munster clash between Garvey’s Tralee Warriors and Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig At MTU.
The 2022 Pat Duffy National Cup Champion Warriors returned to Neptune Stadium after a disappointing first round exit to Griffith College Eanna last season. Daniel Jokubaitis was MVP of the 2022 final and returns alongside Eoin Quigley and Kieran Donaghy. However big man Nikola Rosso who was part of that squad is now playing for the opposition. The Cork club look to make their first Pat Duffy Final but have experienced success in Tallaght as they made history as the first team to win three consecutive President’s Cup titles in 2020. Ballincollig were crowned Superleague Champions last season just three years (two seasons) since the club were promoted from the National League. However they are no strangers to the big dance as player-coach Ciaran O’Sullivan and brother Adrian have two national cup titles to their name with UCC Demons. Adrian has also gained professional experience in the UK, Germany, and Spain while their cousin Ronan also played in the UK with Reading Rockets before returning to Ballincollig.
The opening score of this cup semi final came from Sean McManus, however it was quickly answered by Rapolas Buvidas, who is one of three players to return to Tralee with a spell abroad in the United States.
A three pointer from Adrian O’Sullivan at the halfway mark was overshadowed as he picked up his second personal foul and forced him to he bench just four minutes into the quarter. Andre Nation’s strong drive through the lane was enough to draw a foul, however a missed free throw allowed him to convert it into a four point play as he somehow gained possession on the rebound. Ballincollig suddenly led 37-31 with 1:52 remaining in the first. Long range shooting continued throughout the game and made all the difference for Ballincollig as they led the stats category with 50% from 3 (5/10 attempt) and 59% from the field overall at halftime. The impact of Nation and Shwandale Jones was evident as the Americans combined for 27 at the break in comparison to Tralee’s combination of just 13.
Adrian O’Sullivan’s leadership was displayed throughout the third quarter as the Ballincollig captain led his team in rebounds and deflctions. A big time steal at halfway led to an open three pointer and the Ballincollig crowd left to their feet as they led by 11. This was followed by a big time three from Shawndale Jones Jr o make it 66-53.
Ryan Leonard entered the game as Basketball Ireland player of the month for December but picked up a knee injury in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. A quick stop on the bench and he was back on the court but it proved short term as he was assisted back to the bench with over three minutes remaining.
A combination of efforts from Caleb, Jokabitis and Jervis kept Tralee within two points and Rosso fouled out of the contest. A missed layup from Quigley and a charge call on Doles kept Ballincollig ahead by two points as a timeout was called with 2:11 remaining.
Kieran Donaghy showed no signs of slowing down grabbing steals and deflections on both ends of the court. His effort did not go un noticed by the spectators of both sides.
The remaining two minutes of the second men’s semi final nearly emulated the first as it was potentially headed to overtime. Ballincollig struggled to hold on to their lead as Tralee clawed their way back into the game as it tied 74 apiece with 1:38 on the clock. A free throw converted by Caleb gave Tralee a one point lead with one minute remaining
A foul on an attacking Andre Nation brought him to the line and he silenced the Tralee crowd as he went two for two to take the lead back to 1 point. Jordan drove and earned himself two free throws however only making one to tie the game, making it a one play game with 9 seconds remaining.
An inbounds from O’Sullivan to Jones jr drove to the basket however it came loose and a tip out to Keelan Cairns who sunk a baseline jumper on the buzzer to make history for Ballincollig
