STAR of the Sea kept alive the mathematical possibility of catching the Budweiser Superleague leaders Neptune with a 98-84 victory over Killester in Clontarf last night.

In the end Star's success was comfortable enough, but a controversial refereeing decision with five minutes remaining eased their path to victory considerably.

At that point Killester were making a concerted comeback having trailed 51-39 at halftime. As Pat Grennell drove through the middle of the Star defence to reduce the deficit to three points with four minutes 43 seconds left on the clock, the referee gave the basket but also awarded an offensive foul against the Killester player for making contact with an opponent after the play was executed.

The two points scored by Grennell were cancelled out by the resultant free throws and within 30 seconds John Leahy converted his second three-pointer of the night to put Star eight in front and on their way to victory.