Jordan Washington and Tala Fam fire UCC Demons to key win over Tralee Warriors
Jordan Washington, UCC Demons, scores from Irshaad Hunte, Tralee, and was critical to the home side's success. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
UCC Demons saw off Tralee Warriors in the Domino’s Men’s Super League after a nail-biting clash at the Mardyke Arena on Sunday.
After commanding an interval lead of 20 points Demons almost let it slip but, with Jordan Washington finishing with 32 points, they hung on in the closing minutes.
To be fair, Demons had to play with one American as Tamyrik Fields was serving a one-match ban following an incident at the St Vincent’s game, but Tala Fam stepped up with 22 points and this was a crucial result in their relegation battle.
Irshaad Hunte gave the Warriors the perfect start with three consecutive baskets in the opening minute.
In the early exchanges Demons weren’t at the races in the offence court with some silly shooting options with the Warriors leading 6-4 in the second minute.
Washington showed nice touches in the offence court for Demons with his side's opening 10 points. And when Live Kivuvu drained two free throws, they led 12-8 midway through the quarter.
Both teams missed some easy tips but entering the final minute Demons commanded a seven-point lead, 19-12.
Demons had the final say with Washington getting fouled on the buzzer and making one free throw, giving them an eight-point lead going into the second quarter. Washington opened up with a basket, but the Warriors immediately responded with a three-pointer from Olaf Michalczuk.
We then witnessed two consecutive three-pointers from Daryl Cuff that gave Demons a 13-point lead with the Warriors immediately calling a time-out.
In fairness, the Tralee side kept battling and nine consecutive points reduced the deficit to four points. The response from Demons was positive as they managed to drain the next two baskets.
Inspired by a third Cuff three, they were up by 16 with two minutes remaining to the interval.
Warriors didn’t look at the races after last weekend's cup final disappointment and Washington was fouled coming up to the buzzer and his brace of free throws helped Demons go in with a 20-point lead: 51-31.
Looking at the half-time stats Demons were 14/28 (50%) from inside the paint and 4/10 (40%).
Washington brought his total to 23 points with the opening basket with the Warriors in huge trouble.
Just as Demons have done all season though, they went into meltdown as the Warriors came thundering back and with 3.54 remaining the deficit was reduced to 11. It got worse for Demons when Tralee nailed the next basket and suddenly the home side were on the ropes.
Demons' turnovers were a massive issues as Tralee had the lead down to five points before Washington finished the quarter with two free throws.
The home side led 65-58 entering the fourth as the momentum looked to be with the visitors. It got worse for Demons as a neat Hunte jumper had the lead reduced to 67-65 with seven minutes remaining.
Some of the shooting from both sides was absolutely crazy but the hard work of Tala Fam kept the hosts' noses in front.
In the closing minutes, both sides continued to make errors, but Demons just about got over the line.
J Washington 31, T Fam 22, L Kivuvu 10.
I Hunte 29, J Perkins 14, C Sullivan 12.
B Murphy, S Hannigan, J Washington, L Sutton, K Hosford, J Jannigan, D Lehane, T Fam, C Looney, L Livuvu, D Cuff, B Horgan.
I Hunte, J Perkins, O Michalczuk, J Friel, J Fernane, D Bowler, K Crowe, P Fleming, D Jokubaitis, S Bowler, C Sullivan, E Quigley.
Emma Perry (Dublin), Emer Buckley (Kerry), Kevin Robinson (Dublin).
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