L

LYIT 76
Scotts Lakers 75

SCOTTS LAKERS came very close to snatching victory after a long road trip but were pipped by a point by Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) in a very exciting clash at The Bishops Field Sports Centre, Derry, on Saturday.

Lakers enjoyed a productive opening quarter and with Antuan Bootle making his presence felt, the Killarney side led 19-16 at the end of the first quarter.

However LYIT responded well in the second quarter and were 37-31 in front at half-time. Killarney's Antuan Bootle hit 16 point in the first half but ran into foul trouble during the second half which restricted his time on court. Justin Tuason did well when introduced and it was a tied ball game at 55 points each entering the final quarter.

Despite Bootle being on four fouls and staying on the bench for most of the final quarter, Lakers led 70-64 with five minutes remaining. They maintained their advantage to lead 73-71 entering the final two minutes but LYIT turned it around with an outrageous uncontested three-pointer from Paul McHugh and the home side led 74-73 with 1.10 remaining.

Lakers restored their lead and were 75-74 in front with 30 seconds left. However Chaz Watler hit two free throws for the home side and LYIT led 76-75 with 22 seconds remaining. With Antuan Bootle back on the floor, Lakers had plenty time to work the ball up the floor and look for the safest option to secure a possible victory but unfortunately that never materialised and the home side held on to win by one point.

LYIT: Chaz Watler 23 Jon McGill 17 Jordan McClelland 11
Scotts Lakers St Paul's : Antuan Bootle 25, Mihail Kapitanov 20 Andrew Fitzgerald 8

 
Scott Lakers St Paul's Killarney Basketball team members Mark Greene, Andrew Fitzgerald, Antuan Bootle and Philip O'Connor, Captain, pictured at the start of the National League season. Pic: Eamonn Keogh