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Neptune eager to make up for cup defeat against UCC

BASKETBALL: NEPTUNE HAVE a chance to atone for last Sunday’s heartbreaking National Cup semi-final loss to UCC Demons when they…

Fri Jan 22 2010 - 00:00

BASKETBALL:NEPTUNE HAVE a chance to atone for last Sunday's heartbreaking National Cup semi-final loss to UCC Demons when they take on their fierce rivals in this weekend's series of Nivea For Men's SuperLeague games.

“Saturday is an opportunity for us to show improvement on last weekend’s cup match,” said Neptune head coach Pat Price.

“Our second-half efforts and execution were impressive and we will need to build on that type of performance.

“UCC Demons displayed their impressive depth and versatility last weekend and we need to have a better start and finish to the game in order to overcome their talent,” he added.

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“Giving up 31 points in the first quarter set the wrong tone and gave our opponents the confidence they needed and that absolutely cannot be the case this weekend.

“We hope to once again restrict Niall O’Reilly’s influence on the game and we need to do a better job affecting Shane Coughlan’s overall impact.

“Every player needs to rise to the occasion on Saturday night. It should be another great game in Neptune Stadium.”

For Demons, their clash with Neptune is one of two games they face, with Southern Conference leaders UL Eagles on the horizon a day later.

“The Eagles have an excellent team with a terrific starting line-up including Stuart Robbins, Matt Hall and Scott Kinevane,” said Demons coach Luke D’Alessio.

“We must keep their guards from penetrating the lane and try to break their transition offensive strategy with quick defensive reactions at all times.

“We will have to defend Stu Robbins doggedly throughout the whole game, limiting his inside presence. ”

Elsewhere, Killester make the trip to Ulster Elks, while Hoops host DCU Saints and Moycullen are set for a tricky test in the shape of Belfast Star.

Meanwhile, in the IrishSportTV Women’s SuperLeague, DCU Mercy make the trip to the Shoreline Leisure Centre to face Meteors, while Team Montenotte Hotel Cork make the trip West to face Sligo All Stars.

Bausch and Lomb Wildcats will be looking to build on their first win of the season at home to Killester and UL, who have to get over their cup disappointment, make the trip to the capital to meet Tolka Rovers.