Seven-times InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup winners UCC Demons beat Energywise Ireland Neptune 100-93 in overtime at the Neptune Stadium to advance to this year's decider.
Neptune, who were finalists in 2022, started off brightly and would lead by four at the end of the first quarter, 25-21. They would extend their advantage in the second quarter; Ireland international Jordan Blount was prominent with 18 points by half-time, to help them to a 51-39 lead by the break.
The third quarter belonged to UCC Demons, as Daniel O'Mahony’s side came roaring back into the contest, the impressive Seventh Woods landed a three points to reduce the deficit to four points - 58-54. A James Beckom’s basket then levelled things up.
David Lehane’s three in the final minute of the third brought a rapturous response from the Demons fans, who sensed the momentum was with their team, it would be 72-68 to Demons by the end of the quarter.
A three from Downey from the top of the arc made it a two point game with four minutes to go, Neptune trailed 80-78. Demons responded in kind with a James Hannigan three point jump shot and it was 85-80.
Seconds later Downey landed his second three in a row from the same position – this game was going to the wire, 85-83 with 2'17" left on the clock.
The game was level at 87-87 with 53 seconds remaining following Andrew Gardner’s basket. Both sides had chances to win it, Neptune had possession with 28.3 seconds to go, but Derek Murphy’s jump shot didn’t drop.
"It's about us being the best version of ourselves in the Cup Final in a couple of weeks." 🏆
— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) January 5, 2024
UCC Demons Head Coach, Danny O'Mahony spoke to us following his side's 100-93 win against Energywise Ireland Neptune 🗣️#BINationalCup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NDCmE92ZbT
UCC Demons had possession with 8.4 seconds remaining and the pacy Woods drove to the basket, but the American was also unsuccessful. The drama continued, a set play with 0.5 seconds to go saw Elijah Tillman try to land the decisive blow, but overtime was needed to settle this.
When James Beckom’s two point jump shot landed, UCC Demons appeared to have the momentum, ahead 93-88, however Blount’s three point jump shot brought them back within two, 93-91. It was his to be his final contribution as not long afterwards he picked up his fifth foul to exit the game, Neptune trailing 95-91 with 1’33" to go
Tillman who was dominant in the paint all game landed a two pointer in the final minute and drew a foul in the process, which he converted; 100-93 with less than a minute to go and that is how it would finish.
UCC Demons, who last lifted the trophy in 2015, will face either Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU or 2022 winners Garvey's Tralee Warriors, who clash at the Neptune Stadium at 8pm on Saturday, in the final.
