Basketball Round-up: The UCC Demons impressive year finally grinded to a halt at the quarter-final stages of the play-offs last Saturday. As is usually the case with the Cork men, they pushed Star of the Sea right to the limit.
Brian Clernon gave them a fighting chance when he nailed a three-pointer with eight seconds left on the clock to leave just a point between the sides. However, Jo Jo Chambers drew a foul before scoring one of his attempts from the line. Scott Summersgill's 20-point contribution also had a big say in the victory.
Star progress to next week's finals, ironically at the Demons' arena, where they will face Southern Conference champions, Tralee Tigers, in the semi-finals.
In the other quarter-final, home advantage ruled again as the Killarney Lakers beat UCD Marian 86-79.
Initially, with Kenny McFarland was on fire an upset looked on but Dejan Smith's influence increased in the final two quarters. That combined with a three-pointer from Tim Sullivan saw them through to the semi-finals where they will play Killester.
There may be no Cork team next week but you can expect plenty from Kerry make the short trip down to the Mardyke Arena. An all Kingdom finale looks like the most mouth-watering prospect, from a marketing perspective at least.
Meanwhile, the Women's Superleague final will be between UL/Aughinish and the Waterford Wildcats; a repeat of the last February's cup final.
The Wildcats have come back to form at just the right time. With American Nicole Conway back to full fitness, she scored 33 points over the weekend.
They were too strong for St Paul's, winning 83-60. Also, Grainne Dwyer and Lisa Palmer are two of the brightest prospects in the women's game.
Yet, whether the Waterford team's new found confidence will be enough to stop UL/Aughinish from claiming the double is another matter entirely. The defending champions beat the Drimnagh Dynamos 78-70 over the weekend.
MEN'S SUPERLEAGUE - quarter-final playoffs: Star of the Sea 81, UCC Demons 79; Killarney Lakers 86, UCD Marian 79.
WOMEN'S SUPERLEAGUE - semi-final playoffs: UL/Aughinish 78, Drimnagh Dynamos 70; St Paul's 60, Waterford Wildcats 83.
