BASKETBALL:NEPTUNE, Killester and UL Eagles all secured their conference positions in the return to the Nivea for Men's SuperLeague.
Bord Gáis Neptune sealed second position in the Southern Conference by defeating DCU Saints 99-89.
Baskets from Michael Bonaparte and Ger Noonan put Neptune into an early lead. DCU Saints brought the scoring gap to within three points in the second half but Neptune’s composure held out with the help of Bonaparte and Noonan’s 53-point combined effort.
Neptune coach Pat Price was pleased with his side’s determination to confirm their second position within the Southern Conference.
“This is the first game that we have led from tip to final buzzer and it’s a great sign that we can rally and still come out with a win” said Price. “Right now it’s all about sealing our position in the conference and getting the win.”
11890 Killester retained prime position in the Northern Conference with a 77-54 over UCD Marian. Killester’s performance on the defensive end managed to limit UCD Marian’s James Crowder to a mere nine points.
Coach Mark Keenan was pleased with his side’s first-half display but felt they fell away a little thereafter.
“I was happy with the first half performance but we took our foot off the pedal in the second half and that can’t happen again.
“We have one more game to focus on before Christmas and we are as determined as ever to make it back to the cup finals”.
UL Eagles soared past UCC Demons 94-61 to reserve the pinnacle position in the Southern Conference. A full Eagles squad illustrated a depth that Demons could not counter in the 33-point defeat as the Cork side were without the services of captain Shane Coughlan and USA player Marcus Van.
Eagles’ Cameron Mitchell supplied 27 points and 20 rebounds in the contest.
Mark Bernsen praised his side’s depth and fitness. “No one did anything too spectacular; we just had too much fire-power and depth for them. We were able to tire them out with intense defence and our ability to play our entire bench.”
Belfast Star turned their focus to making the league play-offs with a triumph over Northern rivals, Ulster Elks, 86-65.
Star were led by guard Scotty Sommersgill’s 25-point contribution which helped ensure Danny Fulton’s side its third victory in the league.
“Shot selection was the main factor for us this weekend and with everyone playing well, this win has put us back on the path to make the play-offs,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the Irishsport.tv Women’s SuperLeague, both DCU Mercy and UL marked the return to action with comfortable wins.
DCU Mercy coach Mark Ingle was delighted with the 81-43 win over Oblate Black Forge Dynamos 81-43 as they prepared for next week’s tough match with UL.
“Our defence was good and since we have a few injuries this was a great opportunity for our younger players to step in and get some experience ahead of next weekend,” he said.
UL celebrated their first victory in Dublin at the expense of 11890 Killester 79-52. UL bounced back from two losses and coach James Weldon was relieved.
“We had a big cup hangover but this win gives us confidence ahead of our tough double-header next weekend.”
