NUIG faced a formidable opponent today in the form of DIT. The bleachers were full of supporters for the Galway lads in the Kingfisher sports hall. The game started with an impressive outside shooting display from both teams with DIT enjoying a small lead throughout the first quarter. A great passing effort from NUIG's Patrick Lyons (5) and Eoin Rockall (9) kept the guys within 7 points going into the second quarter. The second quater started off with a trading of points from both teams. The atmosphere in the gym started to become tense after some decisions by the referees upset the away sides bench. Neither side let up and the score was DIT 49 - NUIG 47 going into the second half.
DIT came out strong in the third quarter with an impressive performance by Johnathan Riles (7) hitting the net time after time with his outside jumpshot. NUIG kept playing hard despite the offensive onslaught from DIT and kept the lead to single digits. Both teams continued to play hard and the third quarter finished 73-66 to the away side. The intensity did not let up in the fourth with neither team looking fatigued in the slightest. NUIG got off to a somewhat shaky start scoring wise while DIT kept pushing forward, With time winding down NUIG coach Paul O'Brien called a much needed time out to calm the lads down. After the time out NUIG were transformed Patrick Lyons shut down star palyer Riles with some old fashioned man to man defence and with the help of his teamates managed to keep his scoring at bay. NUIG were still trailing until everyone caught the shooting bug and scored consecutive three pointers. Most noteably Stephen O'Brien and Stephen Cummins who scored multiple outside shots to not only level the game but take the lead. After some strong defensive stops and the help of team fouls NUIG walked away with the win, the final score being 92-97. The guys have to put this closely contested semi-final behind them and focus on the final which will be played in Dublin next Wednesday.