National Cup Round-Up 2012

UL secured a memorable Men's SuperLeague National Cup title in front of a sold out National Basketball Arena, running out eventual 72-65 winners after a gargantuan battle with UCC Demons. Inspired by 'MVP' Robert Taylor, UL produced a remarkable second half performance to secure a memorable victory.

An explosive opening saw the sides' trade scores in quick succession. Robert Taylor embodied everything that was good about UL in the early stages. Quick-minded, decisive and athletic, the American helped his side to a 10-7 lead mid-way through the first quarter. Kyle Hosford and Ciaran O'Sullivan responded in style for Demons as the Cork side began to reel in the UL lead. Jason Kileen and Shaun Atupem were having a titanic tussle inside, the Limerick man coming out on top early on. There was little to separate the sides at the end of the first, Demons leading 21-20.

Demons began the second quarter in superb style, some wonderful combinations stretching the lead out to six. Kyle Hosford and Ciaran O'Sullivan began to stamp their authority on proceedings with UL fighting desperately to keep the Cork side within range. It was still anyone's game at the half time interval, Demons leading 39-34.

Scott Kinevane got UL off to a flyer at the beginning of the third to reduce the deficit to three. Neil Campbell stepped up moments later to bring Eagles to within one. Taylor brought the sides level soon afterwards as UL's charge gathered further momentum. Taylor ran riot in the space of a minute to give Eagles a stirring four point lead. Shaun Atupem completed a tremendous lay up as Demons retook the lead. Matt Hall hit a superb shot on the buzzer to bring UL back to within two heading into the final quarter.55-53

A superb effort from Daniel O'Sullivan early in the fourth gave Demons a five point lead. UL lost the influential Jason Kileen mid-way through, but Eagles responded well with consecutive scores from Matt Hall and Scott Kinevane. Taylor gave UL the lead soon afterwards before Neil Campbell raised the roof with a superb three to give Eagles a three point lead with as many minutes remaining. It was a stirring final quarter from Eagles, who rounded off in style through Matt Hall to secure a memorable 72-65 winners after an epic contest.

Women's Superleague National Cup Final

UL were crowned Women's SuperLeague National Cup champions for 2012 after ruthlessly dethroning reigning champions DCU Mercy 64-27 at the National Basketball Arena.

UL coach James Weldon stated at the final whistle: "Those girls deserve every bit of praise you could give them. The effort and commitment they have shown over the last few years has been incredible. We were a little insulted that some people said we were not a good team because we hadn't won a cup. It's great to have done it now."

December 2010 was the last time Weldon's side tasted defeat and his side were in no mood to relinquish that tremendous record here, the Limerick outfit dismantling their opponents in clinical fashion and deservedly emerging victorious.

UL managed to register first through Louise Galvin and Rachel Vanderwal. DCU managed to quell UL's considerable attacking threat in the early exchanges, but were themselves guilty of some glaring misses under their opponent's basket. Lindsay Peat showed her mettle with seconds remaining in the quarter, hitting three for her side after a patient build-up. The first quarter ended with UL leading 10-7.

UL extended their lead early in the second quarter thanks to some intricate work from Rachel Vanderwal and Louise Galvin. UL were in command at the half time interval, Miriam Liston hitting a huge three for her side with seconds to go to give UL a 23-13 lead.

DCU needed some words of inspiration from Head Coach Mark Ingle at half time, and came out for the third quarter with renewed vigour. Nonetheless James Weldon's outfit are adept at absorbing pressure and Michelle Fahy stretched the UL lead to 14 mid-way through the quarter. DCU were becoming increasingly frustrated as the clock wore down, their repeated attempts to get back into the game foundering due to a stellar defensive effort from UL.

The final quarter was something of a foregone conclusion, with James Weldon's side displaying too much focus and nous for the eventual outcome to ever be in question. UL are undoubtedly the best side in the country, and this decisive 28th victory of an incredible unbeaten run saw them deservedly crowned National Cup champions for 2012, with a convincing final score-line of 64-27.

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