Templeogue pip GCD Swords Thunder in dramatic Men's National Cup final

The southsiders defeated their northside opponents 78-75 at the National Basketball Arena tonight.

Supporters cheer on their team Fans at the National Basketball Arena. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Updated at 22.05

TEMPLEOGUE ARE THE 2016 Hula Hoops Men’s National Cup champions after a thrilling 78-75 win over GCD Swords Thunder at the National Basketball Arena tonight.

GCD Swords Thunder's Alex Dolenko under pressure from Jason Killeen of Templeogue. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Slight favourites going into the game, they began strongly and were 24-16 up after the first quarter. However, Swords responded to hold an 11-point lead at the midway point.

Jason Killeen, Shane Homan, Lorcan Murphy and Rob Daly celebrate Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Templeogue then regained control, going 57-51 ahead with just the final quarter to play, and held out for a three-point victory after a frantic finish.

Shane Homan and Templeogue players celebrate with the cup Shane Homan lifts the trophy. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

It is the first time the club, coached by Mark Keenan, have won the competition.

NBA star Blake Griffin broke his hand while punching a team staff member

What is Michael Phelps doing in a pair of gold Speedos at a basketball game?

More Stories

Third-tier Bielefeld shock holders Leverkusen to reach cup final; Parrott scores again for AZ

Kerry and Cork begin Munster U20 campaigns with away victories

'The backlash myself and Porter and our families got was probably enough punishment'

Ballin'

Author

Ben Blake

View comments

Send Tip or Correction

Comments

hard yaka 11y

Install the app to use these features.

Mute hard yaka

Favourite hard yaka

Jan 30th 2016, 8:04 PM

Link not working

Jan 30th 2016, 10:48 PM

Shane homan

Defamation

Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech

An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic

An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language

Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam

Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Other

Freeeuropean round-up

24 mins ago

FreeMunster U20FC

53 mins ago

Freethe dupont incident

5 hrs ago