It was nail-biting stuff as Tralee did their best to lose this game down the stretch after building up a 78-62 lead with just 7:52 left in the final quarter.

However Dennys, inspired by Brandon Hughes and Anthony Jenkins, cut the deficit to 81-79 with 2:42 left.

Barnaby Cradock nailed a vital basket for Frosties with 1:28 on the clock to push Tralee four point clear again and, despite indifferent free throw shooting by the home side in final minute, Frosties maintained their advantage despite a Jenkins late three pointer and held on to win by a single point in a frantic finish.

It was a good game for Frosties to win and their stars were their Irish players with captain John Teahan giving an awesome display at both ends while young Kieran Donaghy, making his home debut, rebounded like a veteran and drained 12 points in a superb display in the absence of Michael Quirke.

Donaghy looks set for a long and successful run in the Superleague and can be expected to improve his game playing against some of the top players in the country.

Kevin O'Donoghue actually started for Frosties and did very well he is another player benefiting from the new coach.

Liam Culotty is another product of the Moyderwell and now Mounthawk academy of his father, Mike, and young Liam showed no fear and looked good on the ball.

In fact this is a new facet of Frosties' play this year in that all the players are able to come in a do a job for the coach.

Alan Keane is doing a good job and his outside shooting is invaluable to his side while his defence has really improved. Keane is blending in well and he is being given the chance to dis-play his precocious talent.

Chris Davis is very consistent inside and another 24 point haul, coupled with some good defence, was vital in the second half for Frosties.

Chris Thompson is putting in some great work on the defensive boards and, once he gets used to the Irish game, he will make it.

While his scoring return is low, he has not enjoyed the best of luck with the officials and he picked up some harsh calls on Saturday night. He must learn to stay out of foul trouble and, when he does, the team will really prosper.

Barnaby Craddock is not playing as well as last season but he is starting to become an imposing figure again and, with Neptune and Demons to come during the week, Cradock will be a key figure.

So, overall, the squad is on a learning curve and coach Bradburd is to be applauded for his use of the locals players which will mean some short term pain for long term gain.

Denny, with five Americans on the floor for most of the game, were not allowed to dominate with Jenkins and McMillan being well shackled by some strong defence by Tralee.

Chambers and Hughes came up big for the visitors but Davis and Thompson rebounded well though Thompson was again in foul trouble far too early in proceedings.

Denny led 21-20 at the end of the first quarter with Hughes hitting eight points while Teahan, with nine points, and an Alan Keane three pointer kept Frosties in touch.

Kieran Donaghy came up big for Frosties in the second quarter draining five points and some big boards as Thompson sat out the entire quarter.

And with Davis hitting eleven, Frosties led 42-37 at half time.

Frosties put in a strong third quarter with Donaghy, Thompson, Teahan and Keane playing some stirring stuff and Dennys looked as if they might buckle under pressure.

JJ Chambers and Hughes kept Dennys in touch in the third quarter as Frosties took over and Thompson cleaned both boards, chipping in with eight points to boot.

When Alan Keane and Davis nailed a three apiece, Frosties moved 71-60 clear. And when Davis, Thompson and Teahan pushed Frosties 16 points clear, it looked all over but McMillan, Hughes and Jenkins had other ideas and Frosties as stated had to pull out all the stops to hold on.

So another home win in the league but Frosties will have to take serious look at their scoring returns in final quarter as they are not finishing well and nearly got caught again. MVP: John Teahan (Frosties) Top scorers: Frosties: C. Davis 24, J. Teahan 17, C. Thompson 15, K. Donaghy 15. Denny Notre Dame: JJ Chambers 24, B. Hughes 21, A. Jenkins 15.

 

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