LAST TEST PASSED!
The U20’s come out on top in a narrow win against St.Vincent’s!
Written by: Multiple players
Final score: U20’s 65-61 St.Vincent’s
Half-time score: U20 31-25 St.Vincent’s
Starting five: A.Biffi (C), E.Faapito, S.Badejo, M.Conlon, B.Curran
Top Scorers: A.Biffi 23, S.Badejo 13, E.Faapito 7
The U20’s came into the game missing two key players, Ethan Farrelly and Moustapha Kourouma so the lads knew everyone would have to step up in order to get the win. “Post Debs Ale” was in full effect as the U20 captain started off scorching hot knocking down 3 3-pointers in a row as well as forcing a steal which would lead to a score for Sam Badejo. Tolka were fired up and this was just the start they needed. However good ball movements from Vincent’s resulted in the opposition clawing their way back into the game. Elijah Faapito was once again running the show at the point, in the middle of the first quarter he found a cutting Matthew Conlon with a beautiful no look bounce pass. Conlon would then proceed to finish with his signature reverse layup. Will we ever see Conlon score a normal layup? Two consecutive 3s from Dakota Callaly and Sam Badejo resulted in Tolka jumping out to a double digit lead. Callaly and Curran both had monster blocks off the backboard that were unfortunately called as fouls. The quarter ended with Praise Ogunsakin’s acrobatic layup at the basket putting Tolka up 25-10.
The second quarter was extremely poor from Tolka with only 6 points being scored. Biffi and Ogunsakin continued to be aggressive and attack the middle of the Vincents zone which resulted in the two lads shooting free throws. However Vincents led by their star Paul Ryan fought their way back into the game and at half time Tolka only led by 6. Tolka started the second half with Biffi hitting a 3 pointer. This was followed by two quick baskets from Tolka’s big man , Brian Curran including an extremely acrobatic layup in transition. Conlon and Badejo were absolute menaces inside the paint tonight, constantly battling against the Vincents bigs , fighting for loose balls and rebounds and putting themselves in positions for some easy baskets. Tolka ended the quarter with consecutive 3-pointers from Biffi and Faapito.
As the 4th quarter began Tolka jumped out to a quick lead as a result two consecutive 3-pointers from captain Ale Biffi who had 7 3 pointers on the night. Vincents Point Guard McGowran caused the Tolka defence all sorts of problems in the 4th quarter, the quick guard earned himself a few and one plays which resulted in Vincents taking the lead with a few minutes left. Elijah Faapito stepped up in the 4th quarter, causing all sorts of havoc for Vincents as the U20 Point Guard attack the basket numerous times for some easy baskets as well as finding open teammates for some scores. Matthew Conlon hit a clutch jumpshot from the wing while Badejo attacked the basket numerous times for some easy buckets. Despite the heroic efforts from Ryan, Tolka were just too much and the U20’s came away with the 4 point win.
It wasn’t our best performance but it was great to get everyone in and for no one to have gotten hurt ahead of the big game. All focus now turns to Sunday as our U20 team face UCC Blue Demons in the U20 National Cup Final! Tip-off is at 12.15pm in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. We hope to see as many supporters as possible wearing red!
