BASKETBALL: UCD Marian's disastrous season continued over the weekend when they slipped to their fifth consecutive defeat, away to the UCC Demons.
The main difference between the sides was the failure of Marian's imports to hit the high notes.
When Kenny McFarland received a third personal foul after just four minutes things began to look ominous for the Dublin side. Combine this with a poor return of just 10 points for Cedric Peoples's and Marian are staring down the barrel of a gun in the new year.
Once again, this reinforces the over-reliance, by all Superleague teams, on foreign players. The way forward remains clouded as long as this problem persists.
Less than a month ago, financial difficulties forced Tolka Rovers to choose: continue without any foreign assistance or pack up and head for the hills. They took the latter option, on the basis that they felt unable to compete without the hired help.
The Irish player does still play a significant role - just not a star role. To be successful, a team needs to build a decent structure around the paid players.
Yet, your form depends on the form of your top Americans. UCC's 97-75 win can be largely put down to Mark Michiels and Torrey Butler, who contributed 34 and 33 points respectively.
Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers finally managed to get their second win of the campaign with a 91-89 victory over Limerick. Ron Bruton had a big say - he finished with 27 points - but it was Chris Wiedenmann who really caught the eye with a 20-point haul on his debut.
Before the finish, Scott Kinevane had the chance to level up the match from the free-throw line but missed two attempts.
Another Dublin success on the cross-conference weekend came from Killester. This was thanks to a fine defensive performance from Jerome Westbrook on Neptune's Kenny Gamble in their 83-79 victory.
Meanwhile, the combination of Jermaine Turner and the Donnelly brothers Dave and Emmet was enough for St Vincent's to see off Waterford, 103-74.
Star of the Sea made it a long journey home for Killarney after they inflicted a 93-84 defeat on the Lakers.
In the Women's Superleague, Killester went down 75-80 to University of Limerick, the closest any team have come to the title-holders this season.
Despite starting well, Killester were unable to control the superb Michelle Aspell, who finished the game on 29 points.
Men's Superleague: Star of the Sea 93 Killarney Lakers 84; Waterford 74 St Vincent's 103; Killester 83 Neptune 79; Shamrock Rovers 91 Limerick 89; UCC Demons 97 UCD Marian 75.
Women's Superleague: Killester 75 University of Limerick 80.
