Blackstone stop the rot with convincing win

An outstanding fourth quarter of 12 points and solid rebounding in defence from Peter McNicholl lifted his team from a 5 points deficit to a 5 point lead.

In the opening quarter the Blackstone were irresistible in transition, running the lanes and hitting the scores on the run.

Adam Murray set in on the break to open the scoring then Adam Hillis cut twice back door to receive passes from McDonald and McNicholl. Letterkenny were going basket for basket for the opening minutes then the pace of the game saw the Blackstone find another gear to open a 10 point gap.

The Blackstone man to man defence was effective as it kept pressure on all shooting opportunities and shut down the persistent driving into the key of the visitors.

Blackstone boxed out tough on the first shot to set up their running game and closed the quarter with a series of fast breaking scores to lead 27–16.

In the second phase the Blackstone offence got into all sorts of trouble as they missed shot after shot.

McDonald and Adam Murray could not find their range but credit must go to the Ravens who stepped up their defensive game. Blackstone struggled to control the Ravens’ defensive rebounding and at the other end could only manage 7 points to the Ravens 23 in the quarter. They went in at the half trailing 34–39 and look all out of sorts.

In the third quarter, Blackstone began to find their way again as Coach McKee threw in a press. This caused turn over after turn over and with the momentum the scores began to flow.

Lay ups from McCormick and McDonald set the Blackstone into a positive mood as they stole in the press and got the basket without pressure.

McNicholl and Michael Murry scored in the key with short jumpers but the relentless pressure defence of the Blackstone subdued the visitors for only 6 points in this phase.

The closing quarter saw the Blackstone extend their lead as the found rhythm in their play. Good player movement kept open the passing options and this created space for Peter McNicholl who delivered with shots from the top of the key and from the corner. The big forward found the space and drilled 12 points in this phase to top a high scoring 25 in the game.

Letterkenny set in for 6 points to close the gap to 6 but this was as close as they were to come as McNicholl hit 6 with out reply to regain the 12 point lead. Wogan for LYIT penetrated twice to score but McDonald got open on the left for two three pointers the enabled the gap to stay at 10 points.

Ravens pressed but managed only two turn overs as Blackstone got in control of the pressure setting Hillis away on the break for a 71 -61 lead. Blackstone closed the game on the free throw line for three more and the gap remained as Blackstone lifted their confidence and the points.

This week they play North Star on Sunday at St Patrick’s, tip off 7.15 pm.