WHILE it wasn't the start to their Golden Jubilee year that Belfast Star wanted, yesterday's clash with UL Eagles at Methodist College at least promised better things to come.
The home team lost their Premier League battle in overtime, 77-72, after leading right up until midway through the third quarter and were never behind until 30 seconds into the final section.
And new coach Neal McCotter was left to rue a missed opportunity You could say that it is one that got away," he said.
"It's a disappointing loss but not a disaster just the same. Our inability to control the boards cost us. However, I'm very pleased with the attitude of the boys, they could not be faulted for the effort they put in.
"Maybe my rotation of players was not just right at times but we have next weekend off and we know what we have to work on."
Conor and Aidan Quinn were superb for Star while all the home players played a part against a more seasoned outfit.
UL's star man Steve King was aided by agile point guard Scott Kinevane as the winners came good in extra time, during which free-throws really wrapped up their victory.
Star stormed off in top gear with the Quinns cutting through the Limerick defence at will and they were 10-3 ahead after seven-and-a-half minutes. The visitors, with King on form, surged back to close the gap to 19-15 at quarter time.
Aidan Quinn suffered a hefty charge in the second quarter and had to sit out for some time but Star still led 29-26 at half-time.
Conor Quinn came in for some close attention in the second halfbefore Neil Campbell tied the game at 33 midway through the third quarter.
Brian McCotter sank a long distance three-pointer on the buzzer to put Star 45-41 up entering the last period.
It was frenetic in the latter stages but again foul trouble hampered the Quinn threat.
Conor Quinn rifled in a massive 'three' from mid-court with one second left, to tie the match at 62-62.
However, the strength and experience of Limerick told in overtime as the visitors ran out 77-72 winners.
Conor Quinn top-scored for Star on 19 with Keelan Cairns adding 14 and Aidan Quinn landing 10.
King had a game high 25 for UL with Eoin Quigley on 16 and Kinevane on 15.
* See results P55