SETU Wildcats fall short in contentious defeat in Cork
Wildcats coach Jillian Hayes giving instructions during a time-out in a recent game against Trinity Meteors. Photos: Noel Browne
SETU Wildcats just can't catch a break having been pipped in a number of games recently and such was the case on Saturday last in Cork where the home side Brunell got the breaks in the final seconds to win 85-80.
This was a most entertaining game of Super League basketball with the lead exchanging on a number of occasions. The STS-sponsored Wildcats raced into an early lead thanks to three-pointers from Sanjia Brikmane and Alyssa Durazo Frescas. Then two from two on the line from Sarah Hickey plus a three-point play from Tiarra Brown had Wildcats ahead 11-2 after just three minutes.
Time out Brunell to let the dust settle. From there the home side adjusted their defence and it paid off handsomely intercepting many Wildcats passes and converting most scoring opportunities that put them one point to the good (24-23) at the end of the opening quarter.
Both sides exchanged scores as the game progressed, with Alyssa knocking down two from distance plus six points from Sarah Hickey that were followed up with baskets from Orla Dullaghan and Helena Rohan squaring up the game 45-45 at the half way stage.
One major upset for Wildcats was a third foul called on the outstanding Tiarra Brown which meant she had to sit out till later in the game.
From the restart, Brunell got the better of exchanges and opened up a lead of eight points after just two minutes.
Gradually Wildcats reduced the deficit thanks mainly to fine scores from Sarah Hickey and Sanjia Brikmane, but two more back-to-back three-pointers from the Cork side had them in command (69-61) as the game entered the final quarter.
Two quick baskets from Kate Hickey and the return of Brown lifted the Wildcats spirits. From then it was basketball for basket with Sanjia and Sarah doing the business for Wildcats while Brown and Kate Hickey were defending like trojans.
With the game all square, Brown picked up two quick fouls - one of which both Brown and the Wildcats coach furiously disputed, feeling it should have been a charge foul against the opposition and free shots for Wildcats. Now with five fouls, Brown had to leave the game and the tide turned in Brunell's favour as they hit the crucial shots that gave them victory in a most exciting game.
The final score of 85-80 sees Brunell climb the table for a spot in the Super League playoffs, while Wildcats have to dig deep and find a couple of wins over the next few weeks to secure similar.
The first of a number of difficult opponents facing Wildcats arrives in Waterford this Saturday when high flying Glanmire BC hope to continue their winning run. Tip off at the Mercy Sports Hall is 7pm.
