SOLID START FOR THE D2 MEN!
A great second half for the D2 Men results in a double-digit win in their season opener!
Final Score: D2 Men 69-52 Oblates
Half-time score: D2 men 21-23 Oblates
Venue: Oblate Hall
Starting Five: A.Biffi, B.Owens, M.Fyne, S.Badejo, D.O’Beirne
Coming off a strong preseason, the D2 men came into the game hungry to win. Although Oblates started off well , going up 5-0, 6 quick points from Ale Biffi and two 3s from Bradley Owens led to Tolka building a small lead a few minutes into the quarter. However nice ball movement from Oblates resulted in some easy baskets and Tolka’s lead being erased. Captain Tom Kenny had some strong drives to the baskets for some easy points. At the end of the first quarter, Tolka was up only 2.
The second quarter was quite sloppy on both sides, with very few points being scored. Ethan Farrelly hit a nice three from the corner and Dami Abagun had a nice jumpshot from the baseline to give Tolka a nice boost. Despite this, Oblates kept hitting tough shots and profiting from second chance points and at the half led by 2.
Going into the second half, Coach Brendan decided to implement a tall and fast lineup which worked to perfection. The lads stepped up defensively, putting huge pressure on ball handlers which led to steals and easy fast break points. Tolka started the second-half on a 10-0 run. This energy continued throughout the second-half as subs began to come in.
At the start of the fourth quarter Tolka had a comfortable double digit lead in which they never looked back from. Throughout the quarter , Tolka used their speed and athleticism to get ahead on the fast break for some easy baskets at the rim. Misan Fyne had an amazing eurostep “and-one” finish while Owens continued to make it rain from 3, and drives from Badejo, Abagun and Kourouma were just impossible to stop. Moustapha Kourouma had a nasty up-and under finish at the basket. Sam Badejo had his usual “shaqtin-a-fool” moment at the end of the game when he missed a dunk. In the end, the D2 despite a shaky first-half came out on top in the Oblate Hall in their first game of the season.
All eyes ahead to this Wednesday (12/10), in the D2 men’s home opener in Tolka. Tip-Off is at 8.50pm , make sure to come down and support the lads!!
