Nobber man inspires Dundalk Ravens to glory
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Barbara Kelly, NABC Executive presents the MVP Award to Gustas Procevicius of Dundalk Ravens. Photo INPHO/Ben Brady. ©INPHO/Ben BradyImage 2 of 2
Dundalk Ravens’ Gustas Procevicius from Nobber launches an attack in the NBA on Sunday. Photo INPHO/Ben Brady ©INPHO/Ben BradyNobber man Gustas Pocevicius was named the Most Valuable Player as Dundalk Ravens claimed a 71-63 overtime win over Limerick Celtics to claim their first u-20 Men’s Basketball National Cup title at the NBA in Tallaght on Sunday.
The Dundalk club was formed in 2007 by Fu and Triona Faapito andthe u-20 team are coached by their son, Elijah Faapito.
There was nothing between the sides in the early stages of this final, Limerick Celtics edged the first quarter 21-19. Dundalk Ravers were 30-25 in front at the midpoint of the second quarter, following free throws by Colm Hackett.
However, Limerick Celtics held a slender 35-34 lead by half-time. It was level gain at 43-43 with a little over four minutes to go in the third, before a corner three by Kearney nudged Limerick Celtics 46-43 ahead. Dundalk Ravens finished the quarter strongly thanks to baskets from Gustas Pocevicius and Mascuud Haji to trail 49-48.
A corner three from Pocevicius put Dundalk Ravens 51-49 up in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter. That lead was stretched to 55-49 three minutes in, following Pocevicius’ layup, he’d picked up 19 points by then and would end with 25 points, 11 rebounds, eight steals and five assists.
Limerick Celtics went on a seven point run to put Tony Hehir’s side 57-55 ahead just after the quarter midpoint.
A floater from Pocevicius brought the game level once more, at 60-60, with 90 seconds to go. Both sides had chances to win it in regulation, but overtime was required.
Dundalk Ravens got off to the perfect start with a corner three from Conor Mac Criosta and a Franciszek Chmielecki basket in the opening minute, to put them 65-60 up. Two Pocevicius free throws followed, only for that run to finally be snapped by Matthew Barry’s three, to see the score at 67-63.
Limerick Celtics needed points down the stretch, but their hopes were extinguished in the last 30 seconds, following a brilliant steal by Mac Criosta, which prompted a layup for Chmielecki. Mac Criosta helped himself to a pair of free throws at the finish.
Dundalk Ravens - Denis Daly (0), Franciszek Chmielecki (11), Mascuud Haji (20), Hugo Winston (0), Conor Mac Criosta (5), Gustas Pocevicius (25), Colm Hackett (10).