LYIT DONEGAL slipped to a scrappy derby defeat against EJ Sligo All-Stars at An Dánlann yesterday.
LYIT Donegal 53 EJ Sligo All-Stars 62
Niall McDermott’s LYIT Donegal, who have had a decent start to their first season in the National Basketball League, led 29-24 at half-time, but EJ Sligo All-Stars finished well to claim the win.
A fine start to the fourth quarter brought LYIT Donegal level at 46-46 and while they again came to within a score after the visitors moved ahead, it was the Sligo representatives who closed the stronger.
Jimmy Puha gave the home side hope when he brought them within three points heading into the closing moments.
But Aidan O’Shea – the Mayo GAA ace who had a real controlling influence on his team right through the game – scored a free throw and Oisin O’Reilly, another who shone, nailed a three-pointer late on to make it safe.
Derry native Kevin Stanley top-scored with 15 for LYIT Donegal and his nine points helped them lead by five at half-time.
LYIT Donegal were sloppy in possession at times, but a wonderful move involving T-John Casiello, Stephen Cannon and Paul McHugh concluded with Stanley burying the shot for an 18-13 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
Stanley, Zak Balogun – who had a big tussle with O’Shea as the contest wore on – Jack Mackey and Puha had LYIT Donegal ten in front, 27-17, at one stage in the second quarter.
But a late burst from the Sligo side – with O’Reilly at the wheel – brought them back to within five.
The third quarter was key for Sligo – and a profitable one.
Between them, Tobi Brockmann (11) and Philip Hamilton (9) accounted for 20 points as they outscored LYIT Donegal 20-7 in that period.
Mark Cannon and Balogun – who took receipt of two wonderful passes by Frenchman Puha – led the revival, but again O’Reilly was instrumental and O’Shea efficient as Sligo shut the door.
Mackey, who along with Casiello is studying at LyIT as part of the Sport Changes Life Programme, showed clebver skill for a sumptuous score that drew his men level, but Sligo edged away for a win that is their sixth on the trot.
LYIT Donegal: Zak Balogun 11, Jack Mackey 6, T-John Casiello 3, Paul McHugh 5, Rahman Balogun, Stephen Cannon, Kevin Stanley 15, Mark Cannon 8, Jimmy Puha 5, Vytaras Jankus, Tiyrone Weir.
EJ Sligo All-Stars: Julian Jarmolowicz, Oisin O’Reilly 12, Kaylim Noel 18, Aidan O’Shea 7, Luke McLoughlin, Philip Hamilton 14, Lee Sherlock, Cian Lally, Tobi Brockmann 11, Emmet Keogh, Conor Byrne.
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