Head coach Sean Ingle admitted a failure to execute in crucial moments meant Belfast Star failed to make the Domino’s All-Ireland Super League Play-Offs following their 88-85 loss at home to Killester on Saturday night.
In another dramatic battle, Star held the lead until five minutes from the end. It was a dogfight to the finish of their final game of the 2024/25 season.
The Dublin side made some big shots to seal the win and leave Star in ninth at the end of the regular season – one place away from the Play-Offs.
“Fair play to Killester, they did a fantastic job, they’re very deep, but the last two games, we’ve had it in our hands and it’s been more about us losing it,” said Ingle.
“We should have beaten Sligo the previous week and we should have won this. We left about eight to 10 points out there, we didn’t capitalise enough. The first quarter, they had seven turnovers and we missed too many opportunities.
“We showed a lot of heart, but we didn’t have the execution that we know we are capable of. I don’t know why that was the case – potentially a lack of concentration at times.
“It was so out of character for guys who have been so good for us this season. Credit to Killester, they kept Dre Jackson and Darweshi Hunter relatively quiet.”
As well as being the end of Star’s season, it also proved to be Max Cooper’s final game as a professional, and he couldn’t hold back the tears as he sat on the bench having top-scored on 18 points. Hunter had 17, while Jackson and Conor Quinn both finished on 14.
A three-pointer from Jackson gave Star a 65-61 lead going into the fourth quarter and a brace of threes from Aidan Quinn kept Star in front before the game’s top scorer Kason Harrell (27) hit a three to tie the game at 76-76 with five minutes remaining.
A minute later, Farouq Raheem gave Killester the lead with two free throws. Another two and a basket from Harrell pushed the visitors into an 84-78 lead with just over two minutes on the clock.
An inspirational steal from Conor Quinn allowed Jackson to score and convert the free throw having been fouled. Hunter then stole the ball and paved the way for a Cooper dunk that ignited the packed crowd.
With 60 seconds remaining, Hunter put Star in front but Hareem and Harrell once more gave Killester the advantage. Cooper and Jackson both missed three-point chances and Hunter turned the ball over to leave Star’s Play-Offs hopes in ruins.