Merry Monk miss out on playoffs despite win

Merry Monk Ballina have missed out on the playoffs in the Basketball Ireland Development League (BIDL) despite enjoying a comfortable 91-53 win over Atlantic Eagles in their final group game last Saturday evening in Ballina Sports Complex.

Derek Cunningham’s side needed Limerick Celtics to fall to defeat to Mayo Meteors but the Celtics romped to a 111-75 victory themselves in Tourmakeady.

Merry Monk were never in trouble at any stage in their game, hitting ten three-pointers and leading at one stage by 43 points. They raced into a 22-11 lead by the first quarter, Mark Cunningham contributing with 14 points. The second period saw the home side extend their lead further, 48-24, highlighted by a stunning 9-0 run, with Theo Daly contributing nine points before the break.

There was no let up in the third period, with Ronan O’Malley’s eight-point haul pushing Merry Monk into a 70-36, and Brian Donoghue, Eoin Noonan and David Marry and impressing as they ran out 38-point winners. Top scorers for Merry Monk were Theo Daly and Mark Cunningham (both 17), followed by Ronan McGarrity (13), Ronan O’Malley (12) and Brian Donoghue (10).

While Mayo Meteors were well beaten by the Celtics last Saturday, they signed off the BIDL season on a high the following afternoon after beating Limerick Sport Eagles 84-62 in St Munchins College.

Limerick edged in front early on, helped by an eight-point run, but Meteors found they rhythm, with Daniel Nyland sinking two threes to put the visitors ahead 32-27 at half-time.

The third quarter was the turning point, with Meteors winning the quarter 24-12. Paul Freeman, who finished a game high 23 points, scored 16 points in this quarter alone, to put them 56-39 ahead. The final quarter was a high coring affair, 28-23 in favour of Meteors, as the visitors finished strongly for an 18-point victory.