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| 9 Mar 2008 |
Neptune complete sweep of Limerick Lions |
Neptune 85 - 64 UL Eagles
Game date: 3/9/2008 |
Neither team had anything in particular to play for today at the stadium, and it showed in the first two quarters. Neptune are locked into the third playoff spot in Conference B and Limerick are out of the playoff picture. The game started sluggishly, with both sides off the mark. With almost 5 minutes gone in the first quarter the score was an anaemic 5 apiece. With offensive rhythm lacking badly on both ends of the floor it came down to some individual creativity to generate baskets, and Kyle Myrick was able to create them. He scored 8 in the quarter to nudge Neptune into an 18 - 13 first quarter lead. It didn't get much better in the second quarter. Limerick's offense suffered particularly when player coach Matt Hall was off the floor. In the first half he was the only visitor who caused Neptune much problems, totaling 11 before the break. Myrick's quickness continued to hurt the Lions as he penetrated for scores or to create easy baskets for Neptune's big forwards. If the ball had been rolling for Matt Gorman Neptune would have been out of sight, but with the offense stuttering for both teams, the score at half time was just 33 - 27.
The intensity picked up considerably at the start of the second half. Thankfully for all those present both home side and visitors managed to break the 20 point barrier for the third quarter. Gordon Fitzgerald combined well with Myrick to pick up the pace of the game and get Neptune running and Limerick finally found some range. Kiah Thomas began the half in aggressive mood, scoring 8 of his sides first 12 points. For most of the quarter though, Matt Gorman was the difference. He scored 6 points and dominated the key on defense, and Neptune lead 51 - 39 with 3:11 to go. The game appeared to be there for the taking, but Jenar Harrison suddenly came to life. He scored 6 in a 10 point Limerick run that got them back within 54 - 49 by the end of the third.
Limerick kept up the pressure at the start of the fourth. Matt Hall scored the first 4 points to pull Limerick to within just 1 for the first time since the 5 - 5 tie in the first quarter. Matt Gorman stuck a mid-range jumper over Considine to steady the Neptune ship, but 2 more free throws from Hall narrowed it to 1 again. The game became scrappy, as both sides struggled to score but Limerick couldn't get their noses in front and then Kyle Myrick got Neptune back on track. He scored 6 of Neptune's next 10 as the home side opened up a quick 9 point lead, 66 - 57 with 5:15 remaining. Limerick still did not go away though, and a three from Matt Hall with 2:47 left pulled them within 6. However, that was the last time Limerick would find the net. Kyle Myrick controlled the ball and found open teammates as Limerick chased to try to force some turnovers. Neptune knocked down their shots and Michael McGinn in particular did a good job of hounding Kiah Thomas to prevent him adding to his 20 points. Neptune were solid down the stretch from the line and a game that was still in the balance with 2 and a half minutes ended with a lopsided 85 - 64 scoreline.
Kyle Myrick lead all scorers with 27, and Matt Gorman finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Neptune will need to tidy up considerably before facing DCU Saints in the playoff quarter finals, but its better to be going in winning than losing. |
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