BASKETBALL:TWO DERBY games take centre stage tonight in the Nivea For Men's Superleague as Neptune host Cork rivals UCC Demons, while Killester take on DCU Saints.
The meeting of Neptune and Demons will act as a dress rehearsal for their National Cup semi-final in January and spectators will be hoping for an encounter similar to the one the two sides played out in October.
On that occasion Neptune prevailed on a dramatic 104-102 scoreline and Demons head coach Paul Kelleher believes his side is set for another tough examination.
“Neptune have been in great form lately and we will have to be better than our best on both ends if we are to be successful on their own floor,” said Kelleher.
“They have really big threats all over the floor and there is a reason why Neptune are being talked up at the moment.”
Eoin Quill has returned from injury for DCU Saints as the Dubliners look to increase the gap on Killester at the top of the Northern Conference. The Saints are currently five points clear of Killester and a win would see them head into 2012 as clear favourites to claim the conference and home advantage in the play-offs.
On Monday, Demons and Neptune face their second outing against Moycullen and UL Eagles respectively, while Oblate Dynamos face Ulster Rockets in the Women’s Superleague.
FIXTURES – Tonight: Men’s Superleague: Neptune v UCC Demons, Neptune Stadium, 7pm; Killester v DCU Saints, IWA, 8pm. Monday January 2nd: Men’s Superleague: UCC Demons v Moycullen, Parochial Hall, 3.15; UL Eagles v Neptune, UL Arena, 3.30. Women’s Superleague: Oblate Dynamos V Ulster Rockets, Oblate Hall, 7.30.
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