John Dawson's 31 points gives Emporium Cork a first SuperLeague title

Emporium Cork Basketball picked up their maiden InsureMyVan.ie SuperLeague title in just their second season in the top flight of Irish basketball, defeating University of Galway Maree 78-64 at the National Basketball Arena. John Dawson picked up the MVP after 31 points, nine rebounds and three assists.

There was little between the sides in a close opening quarter, Keelan Cairns three had Emporium Cork Basketball 8-3 up in the fourth minute. But it would be University of Galway Maree who'd lead by the end of the first, 18-15 .

University of Galway Maree made a lively start to the second quarter, the highlight being a one-handed dunk from a fired-up Rodrigo Gomez in front of a bank of their fans. It remained tight, a layup from Dylan Corkery brought it level at 27-27 four and a half minutes left in the second.

A five point run by Dawson, two layups and a free throw had Emporium Cork Basketball 34-29 up. But University of Galway Maree responded straight afterwards with a three from the corner by Cathal Finn.

Emporium Cork Basketball player/coach Ciarán O’Sullivan launched a big three from deep and threw his arms up in celebration towards their supporters. It would put them 39-32 up, the game balance was appearing to shift in the Ballincollig club’s favour.

The third quarter saw Emporium Cork Basketball start well, John Dawson's three point jump shot 90 seconds in stretched their lead to 44-32. A three from the corner by Jarett Haines, followed by a pair of Cathal Finn free throws and University of Galway Maree trailed 45-37.

Emporium Cork Basketball responded with another three point jump shot by Dawson to make it 48-37 midway through the third. Emporium Cork Basketball would lead 60-46 by the end of the quarter.

Corkery was