BASKETBALL:11890 KILLESTER put their recent poor form behind them to record a 100-86 win over fellow title hopefuls UCC Demons in the latest round of the Nivea For Men's SuperLeague.
Killester’s title credentials were put into serious question in recent weeks after defeats to DCU Saints and UL Eagles respectively.
They never trailed despite their star American Jermaine Turner having to sit out for long periods due to foul trouble. Niall O’Reilly did his utmost for Demons, who were on the back of three straight wins, with all of his 18 points coming from three pointers.
“I am delighted to win this and it was so important after two defeats, particularly the disappointing performance against DCU Saints,” said Killester coach Darren O’Neill.
Bord Gáis Neptune earned their second win in a week after a fine 98-84 success away to an in-form UCD Marian. Neptune have struggled recently but coach Mark Scannell’s belief in his younger players is beginning to pay. “Offensively it was one of our best performances of the season,” he said. “Our younger lads were brilliant, Roy Downey, who is only 17, put in a marvellous display.”
UL Eagles inflicted more misery on Belfast Star as their 70-65 win meant a ninth straight defeat for the Ulster men. Eagles came from a 17-point deficit at half-time to earn their fifth win of the season.
In the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague, 11890 Killester and Ulster Rockets beat Singleton Super Valu Brunell and Oblate Dynamos receptively, while UL and DCU Mercy maintained their title charge at the expense of Waterford Wildcats and Liffey Celtics. Britain’s Rachel Vanderwal proved the match winner for UL, who are unbeaten in the league since November 2010.
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