Lakers never get going as Carrick cruise to victory

Men’s Basketball Superleague
Scott’s Lakers 73
Carrick Cruisers 80
Report: Enda Walshe

Carrick Cruisers made their first visit to Killarney a memorable one as they travelled back north with the points after a hard fought win over Scott’s Lakers.

Although light on wins, the Cruisers have proved themselves to be obdurate opponents, a fact the Lakers can now attest to. The Monaghan side had some outstanding performances, none more so than Benyi Gomez who ran the show from the point guard position. Martin Provizors and Danas Smigelskis were towers of strength with Shamus Kahl finding the most opportune times to contribute.

Laker’s coach Manuel Suarez will be disappointed with the display which never really got going.

Darnell Snyers played with an obvious injury

One could argue that an early injury to Darnell Snyers didn’t help the cause. The Belgian limped out early in the game and though he did return, one could see the injury was curtailing him.

At various stages it looked like the Lakers would take control of the game but anytime they took the initiative they failed to drive home the advantage against a dogged opponent. The tone was set in the first quarter as the concession of 28 points meant they spent the majority of the game chasing it with the Cruisers prospering they led 28-20 at the end of the first quarter and 42-37 at the end of the half.

The Lakers emerged from the changing rooms a different beast with Eoin Carroll particularly effective. Alongside Mark Sheehan and Snyers, they helped to put the Lakers 47-44 clear. It was at this stage that the home side looked to take control but they were burdened by some offensive deficiencies.

Mikah Blackwell had 24 points

The visitors made a fast start to the final period with Pocevicius, Kahl and Gomez pushing them eight clear, 66-58. Again the Lakers roused themselves with Oladipupo and Snyers netting but Kahl was the Carrick hero, supplying the final and decisive seven points of the clash and helped his team to an 80-73 win.

There is no time for the Lakers to be licking their wounds they head west this Monday to face Moycullen. The Galway side recorded a 75-61 win over Team North West on Saturday night and will prove to be a tricky assignment.

Mikah Blackwell netted a game high 24 points, Abdul Oladipupo had 15, Eoin Carroll 14 , Darnell Snyers 11, Mark Sheehan seven and Jack O’Sullivan two.

For the winners Benyi Gomez had 19, Shamus Kahl 18, Martin Provizors 14, Gustas Pocevicius 13, Danas Smigelskis 10 and Killian McAdam six.

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