Scott’s Lakers Killarney set to get the win after game against Waterford Vikings abandoned with 19 seconds left

SETU Waterford Vikings 69

Scotts Lakers 68

(game abandoned with 19 seconds to play)

There was plenty of drama in this season opener played in the SETU College Hall in Waterford. Despite the south coast of the country under an orange weather warning for rainfall, one would imagine that indoor sport would escape the wrath of the downpours, but Scott's Lakers opening game of the new season, away to the Waterford Vikings, had to be abandoned with under three minutes to play because of water seeping through the ceiling above the playing court.

With two minutes, 58 seconds to go in the final quarter, moisture was gathering on the floor from a leaking vent in the ceiling, with the result that Lakers player Shane Daly took a heavy tumble on the slippery surface. The game was halted as the affected area was dried, with the game resuming after a prolonged break.

However, with 19 seconds remaining, and Waterford Vikings holding a slender advantage, 69 to 68, more moisture had accumulated on the playing surface with the game being abandoned at that stage. It is understood that the sanction for failing to find a suitable alternative venue to finish a game is forfeiture of the game, and therefore, it would seem that the win and points will be awarded to Scott's Lakers.

As with all decisions, the Vikings hold the right of appeal so this may rumble on, but for now Scott's Lakers are in possession of the points.

The game itself was a real ding-dong affair, which exploded into life after a slow start. Eoin Carroll had the privilege of opening the Lakers account for the season and that was soon followed by a Patrick Lanipekun three pointer.

Mikah Blackwell, who finished with 42 points, also found his range to open up a 9-0 lead. Former Lakers player Aaron Jackson lined out for the Vikings, and alongside James Aboaba, he reeled in the lead and forged the hosts 13- 11 clear.

The second quarter was equally tight, Lanipekun streaking clear early to stuff home a dunk. John Hughes, Jamie O'Sullivan, Mark Sheehan and Jack O'Sullivan were all introduced at various stages to help maintain the Lakers intensity. Marius Huber climbed off the Vikings bench to claim four points but Blackwell was finding his range to stay in touch.

Shane Daly, making his National league debut, hit from downtown but the imposing Osilama was rampant inside, meaning Blackwell had to be at his best to keep the Lakers in tow, with the hosts holding a slender 32-31 half time lead.

Halloween may not be for another couple of weeks but there were plenty of fireworks in the third quarter . Blackwell hit twelve points in an explosive three minutes, hitting both inside and outside. Those efforts were sandwiched between further points from Carroll and Lanipekin and the Lakers were now in the ascendancy, 47-32 clear. But Jackson put on his own light show, hitting bombs from downtown and with Aboaba chipping in, the Vikings regained the initiative, 53-49.

Despite Rui Saravia netting early, Jackson was electric for the hosts, and with the help of Dale Kavanagh they moved 65-54. But as they had done at stages during the game, the Lakers defended with great vigour and they succeeded in putting in some big stops. Daly, Blackwell and Lanipekun eroded that lead despite some profligacy from the charity stripe.

This quarter understandably lost its momentum due to the stoppages with the floor but the Lakers had succeeded in whittling down the lead to one when the floor became unplayable.

Lakers coach Ron Howard was for the most part content with his side's efforts, despite the unsatisfactory and premature ending. "What pleased me most about the game was how relentless my guys were. The way they handled themselves being such a young group, playing in the high intense atmosphere they played," he said, but he was already eyeing improvement ahead of the visit of Tipp Talons.

"I would love for us to make our free throws, we missed nine in this game. But well be working on our ball movement and effort and getting our defensive intensity up to a consistent basis. I'm looking forward to coming home and playing in the Aura in front of our Killarney family and supporters."

For the Lakers Mikah Blackwell was on fire with 42 points, Patrick Lanipekun had 12, Shane Daly 7, Eoin Carroll 4 and Rui Saravia 3.

For the Vikings Aaron Jackson was six from six from three-point land to score 33 points, James Aboaba had 15 and Osilama 7, while Dale Kavanagh, Marius Huber and Daniel Sheehan each had four.

Scott's Lakers v Tipperary Talons

SCOTT'S Lakers first home game of the season is this Saturday when league newcomers Tipperary Talons visit the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre. Having risen through the Development leagues, they got a tough opening round fixture when they were landed with the Limerick Celtics but they acquitted themselves very well for three quarters of that game before eventually succumbing to the more seasoned side.

In Shemarri Miles the Talons seem to possess a potent point guard, wo scored 29 points at the weekend. Justin Wickham has taken up a scholarship at TUS Thurles having played competitively in the UK. Sammy Bah is no stranger to Killarney as he previously lined out with the Limerick Sport Eagles, while Miles Felletti was a mainstay of the Limerick Celtics effort these past few seasons. Tip-off is 7.30pm.