The match between UCD Marian and UCC Demons opened brightly. Two well coached teams traded baskets in a game that flowed easily with no foul recorded until 7 minutes into the game. At the end of the first quarter the home team led by a single point, 23 -22.
UCD lost their rhythm at the start of the second quarter and were punished for some turn-overs. After 7 minutes of the quarter, Demons led 39 to 30 with American Shawn Atupem, Carlton Cuff and Niall Murphy all contributing to the visitor's lead.
After trailing, 34 - 43 at the break, the third quarter belonged to Marian. Led by their captain, Niall Mean y, who was to finish on 17 points, and with UCD's American Donnie Stith finding his range, the home team went into the final quarter leading 55 - 54 after playing some excellent team basketball.
By this point Atupem had been called for his fourth foul so the momentum seemed to be favouring UCD, however Atumpem kept himself out of further foul trouble and combined well with Ciaran O'Suillivan to keep UCC ahead throughout the quarter. The ball just wouldn't fall from three point range and the game looked over as the clock moved into the final minute with Demons ahead, 77 - 70.
The home team never gave up, however. They stole the ball and Niall Meany was fouled on his lay-up for a three point play. 73 - 77. Defending like tigers, UCD got another steal and Donnie Stith finished the lay-up to bring the score to 75 - 77. With less than 15 seconds left, Marian got the ball again, and with four seconds on the clock, Stith's close in jumper just did not drop. Ciaran O'Sullivan was fouled on the rebound and his two free throws made the game safe for Demons on a final scoreline of 75 - 79.
This was an excellent game of basketball with the two professionals scoring 18 (Stith) and 29 (Atumpem) and the many outstanding Irish players on both teams contributing handsomely to a free flowing and skilful game of basketball.