| |
| 16 Feb 2008 |
Matt Gorman's 36 power Neptune over Star |
Neptune 109 - 80 Belfast Star
Game date: 2/16/2008 |
Belfast Star travelled to Cork with only 1 win in their last 4 games, and their misery was compounded as Neptune ran away with this one from the very start. Kyle Myrick's speed was too much to handle and Matt Gorman dominated the painted area as Neptune won their second blowout in the space of 4 days.
Neptune came out hot, with Gorman making his first three shots and Myrick penetrating easily for scores. Star on the other hand were having a tough time looking after the ball, and when they did it seemed like they couldn't buy a kind roll - everything was going in and out. They stayed in it in the early going thanks to some offensive rebounds, but once Kieran O'Brien and Gorman locked down the paint midway through the first quarter Neptune began to pull away. With four minutes to go in the first Neptune lead 19 - 9, behind 6 each from Gorman and Myrick. Michael McGinn entered the game and kicked Neptune into overdrive, as he and Myrick began creating easy fast break points from steals and running off rebounds. By the end of the first Neptune were up 33 - 16, as Star struggled to find any sort of scoring touch.
The pattern was pretty much the same in the second quarter. Star attempted to press Neptune to try to create some easy scores, but Kyle Myrick repeatedly split double teams to canter away for soft lay-ups or sweet dishes. Matt Clement was the only visitor who seemed to find any kind of range. He had seven in the second for Star, but again turnovers and inability to contain Gorman, who had eleven in the quarter, meant Neptune continued to pull away. By half time Matt Gorman had 22, Kyle Myrick had 14 points and 6 assists and Neptune lead 61 - 32. Clement and Stephen Dawson finished the half with 7 each for Star.
Star made their only real run of the game after the break. Stephen Dawson buried a three on their first possesion and their defensive intensity picked up forcing Neptune into some turnovers. Matt Clement scored 7 in a row for the northern side, and in just over 4 minutes they cut the lead to 20. However, a steal and fast break layup for Myrick, followed by an assist from him to Kieran O'Brien steadied the ship for Neptune and Star did not get closer than 23 points for the rest of the game. Neptune were able to clear the bench from late in the third quarter and the final 13 or 14 minutes of the game was relatively meaningless. The third period finished with Neptune in a 31 point lead, 87 - 58. Both teams emptied the benches in the fourth quarter and Neptune ran out winners by 109 - 80. Matt Gorman, who collected his December Southern Conference Player of the Month Award before the game, showed why he deserved it with a game high 36 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Kyle Myrick had 21 points, 10 assists and 6 steals. For Belfast Star, Matt Clement had 19 points and Stephen Dawson finished with 18.
For Neptune, the win leaves them 6 points ahead of Ballina and Killarney in the chase for the Southern playoffs. Despite the loss, Star are still only 2 points behind Hoops, with a game in hand, for third spot in the North. |
|
|
|
|
More...
New Website
Neptune Nippers Academy tips off for 2009/10
Open Day A Huge Success
Allihies Photographs
Pat Price announced as new Head Coach
Each One Teach One coaching seminar, July 15th - 18th
Photo's from France trip in new Gallery section
Under 14 Clubs All Ireland
Trophé Val d'Europe Team
|
|
