Wheeling, W. Va. - On Saturday, former Wheeling University Men's Basketball player Jarett Haines and the University of Glaway Maree basketball team played for the InsureMyHouse Pat Duffy Cup Senior Men's National Championship. It was a close battle throughout, but Maree Galway made history with a 74-69 win over DBS Eanna to earn the team's first Pat Duffy Cup Championship in team history. Haines had one of his best showings of the season, leading the way with 35 points and earned the Pat Duffy Cup MVP award for his performance.
Haines was a leader for Maree Galway throughout the season, and it was no different in the championship game. His team got out to an early 9-0 lead, but DBS Eanna came right back and made it a one-point game heading into the second quarter. As the teams headed into halftime, Maree Galway found themselves trailing 34-32 and looking for a comeback. Haines led the charge coming out of the half and helped his team regain the lead at 50-48 as Maree Galway looked to finish their first championship. Haines assured that would happen, hitting two big three-pointers with under four minutes to play and sealed the deal with a pair of free throws to end the contest.
Haines finished the night with a team-high 35 point and was named the game's MVP by MNCC Chairman Paul Barrett and was presented the award following the game. Of those 35 points, 19 came in the second half as Haines helped his team battle back in the game. After the game, Haines told The 42 that it came down to all the hard work he and the rest of his team put in this summer that helped them clinch the team's first-ever championship.
"I worked so hard for this for years even before I came to Ireland," said Haines. "My teammates and my coaches are everything to me, along with the whole community of Maree. I don't have the words, it's just amazing."
Wheeling University athletics congratulates Jarett Haines on his hard work and for helping University of Galway Maree to their first Pat Duffy Cup Championship. We wish him the most success as he continues his professional basketball career.
