ST VINCENT'S Philip Neary broke the hearts of Tallaght Community School players as his well-executed free throws six seconds from time robbed them of the chance to lift the All-Ireland Schools Under 19C prize.

In what was a titanic battle yesterday morning in the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght edged into  a three point advantage by the end of the first quarter.

It was Vincent's who were first out of the blocks though compliments of Killian Scully and Lauro Cruz, but Mark Dunne and Christopher Greene led the Tallaght response to help see them overtake.

Vincent's did edge back in front when Martin Neary planted a basket from distance, but this only signalled the start of a Tallaght surge that saw them register five unanswered points in the space of a minute to race ten clear of their Glasnevin opponents.

But Vincent's refused to panic and chipped away at this deficit until they had halved it by the recess.

Gavin Murray and Raymond Toner helped extend Tallaght's advantage to seven in the third quarter, but Vincent's continued to plug away.

Heary hauled them to within three of Tallaght at the start of the final quarter and with just 20 seconds remaining the northsiders levelled it.

There was still time for them to continue on and win it as Neary went to the line and displayed nerves of steel to net both shots.