BASKETBALL:THE NIVEA for Men's SuperLeague hosts its final series of games before the Christmas break with UL Eagles and 11890 Killester set to clash in a dress rehearsal of their National Cup semi-final tie in January.
The sides have already met twice this season, with Killester’s 67-59 success in October cancelled out by UL Eagles’ 80-68 win last month.
Both sides are on the back of some encouraging results, as Eagles earned a superb 76-71 victory away to Bord Gáis Neptune in their last outing, while Killester overcame the challenge from an improving Belfast Star.
The game has the added spice of Eagles coach Mark Keenan set to be reunited once again with his old charges Killester, where he claimed National League success last term.
“Both teams will want to send a clear message to each other ahead of next month’s rematch in the National Cup semi-final,” said Eagles Head Coach Mark Keenan.
“Our aim will be to continue to improve on our performances of the last two weeks and winning is a must in order to keep the pressure on UCC Demons and Bord Gáis Neptune in the Southern Conference.”
For Killester coach Darren O’Neill, the game represents potentially one of the most difficult his side will face this season.
“This is going to be one of our toughest games so far in this campaign,” said O’Neill. “Mark (Keenan) has done a great job at UL after a slow start and they are now the team we all expected them to be.
“The addition of Rob Taylor is a huge plus and we will have to be at our best for the full 40 minutes if we are to get a win.”
Elsewhere, on Saturday, Northern Conference leaders DCU Saints host UCC Demons, while UCD Marian will be desperate to return to winning ways at home to Moycullen.
Belfast Star will be hoping their clash with Bord Gáis Neptune will mark their second win of the season.
In the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague, UL will be favourites to maintain their unbeaten run against Oblate Dynamos, while also on Saturday, 11890 Killester and Team Montenotte Hotel face clashes against Waterford Wildcats and Liffey Celtics.
On Sunday, DCU Mercy have an opportunity to return to winning ways against Singleton’s Super Valu Brunell, Meteors meet Ulster Rockets and Waterford Wildcats and Team Montenotte Hotel clash as the sides face their second game in 24 hours.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday – Men’s Superleague: DCU Saints v UCC Demons, DCU Sports Complex, 7pm; UCD Marian v Moycullen, UCD Sports Centre, 7pm; Belfast Star v Bord Gais Neptune, DLS Anderstown, 7.15pm; UL Eagles v 11890 Killester, UL Arena, 7.30pm. Women’s SuperLeague: UL v Oblate Dynamos, UL Arena, 5pm; 11890 Killester v Waterford Wildcats, IWA, 6pm; Team Montenotte Hotel v Liffey Celtics, Neptune Stadium, 7pm.
Sunday – Men’s Superleague: Belfast Star v UCC Demons, UUJ, off. Women’s SuperLeague: Waterford Wildcats v Team Montenotte Hotel, Mercy Gym, 1.30pm; DCU Mercy v Brunell, DCU Sports Complex, 3.30pm; Meteors v Ulster Rockets, Colaiste Eoin/Iosagain, 3pm.
Thursday, December 29th – Men’s Superleague: 11890 Killester v DCU Saints, IWA, 8pm; UCC Demons v Bord Gais Neptune, Mardyke Arena, 8pm.
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