Aquinas U16s progressed to the quarter final of the National Cup with a thrilling 53-46 overtime against Palmerstown Community College, Dublin in the second round game at St Malachy’s.

In a pulsating game, the Ravenhill Roadschool made hard work of the win.  Defensively, Aquinas were able to contain the threat of Kwan and Glennon to some extent but some glaring misses and a glaring mistake allowed Palmerstown to tie the game at 39 each with 0.7 seconds left on the clock.

With Alex McConaghy and Aidan O’Kelly fouling out the momentum swung back to the Dublin school at the start of overtime as they took a three point lead.  However, Gareth Lyttle and Rory Maguire brought Aquinas straight back into the game.  Kwan (Palmerstown) than fouled out and this allowed the home team guards to apply more pressure on the ball and a couple of steals converted to free throws and a lay up allowed Aquinas to close out the game.

Gareth Lyttle led all scorers with 19 points and deservedly got the MVP award.  Valuable contributions from Alex McConaghy, Aidan O’Kelly, Matthew Leggett, Rory Maguire and Vittorio Angelone allowed Aquinas to scrape home.

Having travelled toCorkfor their first round game, Aquinas now is on the road again for their quarter final tie against Scoil Chuimtiseach Chiarain, An Cheathar Rua, Co Galway mid-November.