Former Tralee star shines as Belfast get the better of Warriors

Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League 2024/2025 – Round 18

Belfast Star 109

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 100

Following their 105-74 win over St. Vincent’s, Garvey’s Tralee Warriors came up short in their bid to make it back to back wins this weekend, going down 109-100 to Belfast Star in the De La Salle College on Sunday. Mark Stephens top scored for Warriors with 28 but it was former Warrior De Ondre Jackson produced a scintillating 37 point offensive display that largely proved to be the difference between the sides.

A fast start from the hosts with baskets from Hunter and a double from Jackson were quickly countered by the Warriors through major scores from Greg Adon and Daniel Jokubaitis and Brandon Mahan and Mark Stevens opening efforts gave the visitors a 12-6 midway through the quarter. Aidan Quinn sparked up with two from distance for Star and when Hunter followed suit the hosts were suddenly 23-15 up. Stephens and Adon cut the gap from inside and out but a steal and buzzer beating and one from Jackson saw Belfast 26-20 up at quarter time.

The second quarter saw the teams go score for score with Jackson and Stephens continuing to torment the respective defences. Jokubaitis and Mahan added a basket each but a major score from Max Richardson and a trademark floated two from Jackson saw Belfast lead 37-33 as the clock ticked past the 5’00’’ mark. Conor Quinn got in on the act for Belfast with a 7 point salvo late in the quarter but Mahan from inside, Stephens with a major and Ryan Leonard with an 8 point volley left the sides level at 49-49 apiece.

The Warriors took the early initiative in the third and Rap Buivydas stormed into the contest with a double and a typical three pointer from Jokubaitis saw the Warriors go 61-56 up. However Belfast struck back with interest with Aidan Quinn, Jackson and Liam Pettigrew combining from inside and despite Adon and Stevens keeping Warriors in range, major efforts from Jackson, Aidian Quinn and Conor Ryan saw Belfast take a 76-70 lead into the final quarter.

The Warriors needed a quick start and Jokubaitis obliged from distance but it only prompted a stunning three point scoring response from the hosts with Hunter knocking down two followed by Jackson and Quinn to spread the game and go 93-83 up midway through the quarter. The Warriors cut the gap to a single score with baskets from Mahan and Leonard but Jackson and Max Cooper replied immediately to restore the 10 point advantage. With just two minutes on the clock the visitors tactic of fouling early was dealt with ruthlessly by Belfast as they hit 12 from 14 from the line to keep the visitors chasing the game. Despite a late volley for scores from Mahan and particularly Mark Stephens, it simply was not enough for the Warriors as their old foes saw out the 109-100 win in the end.

Scorers:

Belfast Star: De Ondre Jackson 37, Darweshi Hunter 22, Aidan Quinn 14

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Mark Stephens 28, Brandon Mahan 19, Greg Adon 19