MATCH REPORT

Fri 10th November Tralee Sports Complex @20:30
SuperLeague South Conference
Abrakebabra Tigers	(FT)84	(FT)82	Limerick Lions
	(HT)42	(HT)39
Dave Fanning	32	29	Rick H arrigan
Wilder August	25	14	Theo Powell
Micheal Quirke	14	12	Neil Campbell

11^th Nov 2006

TIGERS CLINCH WIN AMIDST MUCH CONTROVERSY

Tigers produced a dramatic late surge to record an unlikely two-point victory over Limerick Lions.

Even Hollywood would have rejected the ending to this one for being too unbelievable. However, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.

Limerick were home and dry with two minutes to go, deservedly leading by nine points. But nobody told Tigers they were to lie down and die. What followed was the most amazing finale at the venue in recent times.

Tigers point guard Dave Fanning single handedly dragged his team back into proceedings and Bosman player hit the final score to secure the most unlikely of victories.

Game Highlights

1^st quarter

Fanning and Auguste each hit nine points for tigers in a nip and tuck opening quarter, which ended 23-21 in their favour with Fannings free throw just short of the whistle giving Tigers the advantage.

2^nd quarter

The lead was upto 43-31 with 2:53 remaining in the second period. However Limerick capitalised on tigers turnovers and sloppy play in general, to reduce the deficit to the minimum 40-39. Again tigers closed the scoring in the quarter to go in with a 42-39 lead.

3^rd quarter

Quarter no. 3 was Limericks as Rick Harrigan dominated the scoring charts, and helped his side outscore Tigers 13 – 6 in the first five minutes of that period. The lead was up to 59-53 before Auguste secured the next three baskets to pull Tigers back to 59-61. the third period ended with Limerick ahead 65-61.

4h quarter

Limerick maintained their advantage in the early stages of the final quarter, but with when Michael Quirke scored 2 and added a free throw, the game was 68-67 to Limerick with 8:51 on the clock. Limerick pulled away again and were 78-69 in front at the midway point of the quarter. 2:39 remaining and Limericks lead was seven. Then it went to nine, at 82-73. A Dave Fanning three sparked Tigers into life. A two from Quirke gave them renewed hope. Tigers sent Limerick to the line on a number of occasions but heir free throw failings were to cost them dearly. With fifteen seconds left Fanning of Tigers was fouled in the act of shooting a three. He sunk all three and now the gap was one. Still Limerick had possession and victory for them remained a near certainty. However they lost possession as Michael Quirke came up trumps once again. Dave Fanning received the ball and nailed the final 3pt basket to secure an amazing win. Limerick got a last gasp effort off at the buzzer but that failed and mission impossible had been achieved.