GCD Swords Thunder 103 C&S UCC Demons 82
GCD Swords Thunder controlled their Hula Hoops Men’s National Cup semi-final from start to finish to beat C&S UCC Demons by 103-82 at the Mardyke Arena.
The Dublin side are through to their first Cup final at Premier League level, guaranteeing an all-Dublin decider on 30 January.
“We knew we had to get clinical in the second half of the season and there were some home truths and good talks over Christmas,” said Thunder coach Dave Baker. “I feel it’s really stood to us.”
Colin O’Reilly opened the scoring with his first three-point attempt but Swords responded with a 6-0 run and led by double scores midway through the first courtesy of a Kevin Lacey jump shot.
Mike Garrow drove to the middle for a dunk which put the Dubliners 23-16 ahead for the first quarter.
Ciaran O’Sullivan found his range in the second quarter, while Roy Downey was happy to pull up for two points when the space allowed.
With Isaac Westbrooks lurking in the passing lanes, Demons were unable to find a rhythm.
It was Thunder’s point guard who put the lead out to 10 points for the first time and when a 6-0 run soon followed, Swords Thunder were 50-37 clear by half time.
The third quarter was the home side’s best. Colin O’Reilly began pulling down rebounds and a Kyle Hosford three-pointer jump started the crowd back to life.
Dave Baker was forced into a time out when Lehmon Colbert ‘s drive reduced the deficit to eight points.
That was as close as Demons got. When Sergi Guardia wasn’t finding Mike Garrow inside, the American had the athleticism to penetrate by himself.
“We didn’t feel at any stage we let it drop and we tried to control the tempo and I feel we came out on top,” said Baker.
With Michael Goj and Westbrooks picking off open threes, there was 20 points between the sides with 11 minutes remaining.
C&S UCC Demons: Adrian O’Sullivan 8, Kyle Hosford 24, Lehmon Colbert 21, Roy Downey 9, Colin O’Reilly 10. Substitutes: Ciaran O’Sullivan 5, Darragh O’Hanlon 0, Liam Carmody 0, Niall O’Reilly, Carlton Cuff 2, Jack O’Mahony 2, Darko Bucan 1.
GCD Swords Thunder: Dan Nelms 4, Kevin Lacey 10, Alex Dolenko 17, Sergi Guardia 13, Isaac Westbrooks 25. Substitutes: Iulian Corneanu, Davy O’Leary, Paul Caffrey 1, Michael Goj 17, Derek McMahon 4, Mike Garrow 12.
