by Lorcan Kelly 

UCD Marian ran out comfortable winners at Belfield after a thrilling second half, with Isaiah Taylor posting 25 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Laurynas Andrijauskas scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter as UCD pulled away from a 60-60 tie.

Q1: Number 13, Laurynas Andrijauskas, returned to the starting lineup for his first start of the season and made a big impact. Limerick's number 12, Philip Kearney, hit two early threes to help the Eagles edge ahead at the start, but Tanner Graham answered with an offensive rebound. James Connaire then connected with Andrijauskas. UCD played well as a team, helping to open up Limerick's zone, while good defensive intensity forced a 24-second violation. Liam Kinsella made an instant impact off the bench with back-to-back baskets, and UCD went into the second quarter trailing 20-17.

Q2: A nice touch pass from Sean Fitzpatrick found Kinsella on a cut, while two Fitzpatrick steals helped UCD go on a 9-2 run. Isaiah Taylor then pinned a shot attempt against the backboard, and Kinsella grabbed two rebounds as UCD led 37-28. Limerick's Cian Gleeson hit a four-point play to try to end the run and swing the momentum, and some good play from the Eagles closed the gap. However, Taylor hit a three and Graham scored an and-one to send UCD Marian into half-time with a 44-34 lead.

Q3: The Eagles came back into the game with high-intensity defence and an and-one from Mathew Barry. Ryan Leonard led an exciting comeback, and the game was level at 60-60 with 2:30 left in the quarter. The two teams fought back and forth for the lead and went into the fourth quarter with only one point between them, with UCD Marian leading 67-66.

Q4: UCD Marian decided they weren't losing. Andrijauskas scored back-to-back tough baseline floaters, and Taylor stole the ball and finished an and-one. Andrijauskas kept going with a mid-range jumper and a three, while UCD played rock-solid defence and moved the ball well to pull away again, leaving the Eagles behind.