BASKETBALL:BELFAST STAR have set up a Nivea For Men's SuperLeague semi-final clash with 11890 Killester following their dramatic two-point win away to UCC Demons, while Bord Gáis Neptune stunned DCU Saints to ensure a last-four clash with UL Eagles.
Belfast Star head coach Danny Fulton was delighted after his side’s 88-86 win over UCC Demons. Star at one stage led by 20 points but the experienced Demons almost caught them cold.
Star’s experienced American Clayton Longmire contributed another 27 points but when he was fouled out with three minutes remaining Demons sensed a comeback. The experience of Shane Coughlan and Niall O’Reilly was beginning to show but their comeback just ran out short. “We travelled down with great belief,” said Danny Fulton. “It was an exceptional effort from the players.”
An ecstatic Bord Gáis Neptune coach Pat Price said he was “very proud” of his players after their 83-69 victory over DCU Saints. The opening quarter of the game was close, with DCU taking a three-point lead into the second quarter. The final quarter saw DCU attempt to force the game, and cumulative team fouls meant Neptune had a number of chances from the line.
“Funnily enough, our shooting from the line has been one of the weaker aspects of our game this season. In the final quarter, we hit 14 out of 14 free throws,” said Price.
