UCC Demons aim to stay on a roll

BASKETBALLUCC DEMONS will be looking for more heroics when they travel to 11890 Killester in the Nivea For Men's SuperLeague, while also tomorrow, UCD Marian and Belfast Star take on Bord Gáis Neptune and UL Eagles respectively.

On Sunday, DCU Saints will be looking to get their bright start to the season back on track against Moycullen.

UCC Demons secured their third win in a row away to high-flying DCU Saints in their last encounter (76-65) and will be hoping to leave the capital with another three points and further outline their title hopes.

Killester’s unbeaten run in October has been tainted by two defeats this month, to DCU Saints and UL Eagles. “This is another major test for us on the road this weekend,” said Demons coach Paul Kelleher. “Killester have had a great start but have had a little slip in the last two weeks and they will be looking to rectify that.

“Jermaine Turner has been playing as well as ever this season, and we know the danger Pete Madsen poses as well as the experienced Ciarán O’Brien. Killester’s front line is completed by Michael Westbrooks and that front court is as good as any in the league.”

UCD Marian will be without Dan James, who could miss up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, for their home clash to Bord Gáis Neptune. The students’ coach, Fran Ryan, said of their emphatic 84-65 win away to Moycullen: “Last week’s game against Moycullen was our strongest 40-minute performance of the season, we won all four quarters, which is a very hard thing to do in SuperLeague basketball.”

UL Eagles coach Mark Keenan got his first taste of victory over his former side 11890 Killester last weekend but he is urging caution as they prepare for a trip to Belfast Star, who are still without win.

“We cannot get carried away after last week’s home win over Killester,” said Keenan. “Belfast Star will be gunning to get their first win and they are always hard to beat at home.”

In the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague, UL will be looking to keep their phenomenal unbeaten record in the league intact against Waterford Wildcats, while nearest challengers DCU Mercy and Team Montenotte Hotel, face Liffey Celtics and Meteors respectively.

Elsewhere, 11890 Killester take on Singleton SuperValu Brunell and Ulster Rockets welcome Oblate Dynamos.

FIXTURES: Friday: Senior Men's National Cup – Maree v Matt O'Flaherty Chemist Titans, Calasanctius College, 8pm; Saturday – Men's SuperLeague UCD – Marian v Bord Gáis Neptune, UCD Sports Centre, 7.10; 11890 Killester v UCC Demons, Oblate Hall, 8pm; Belfast Star V UL Eagles, DLS Andersonstown, 8.30. Women's superLeague: Ulster Rockets v Oblate Dynamos, DLS Andersonstown, 6.30; 11890 Killester v Singleton's SuperValu Brunell, Oblate Hall, 6pm; UL v Waterford Wildcats, UL Arena, 6.15; Liffey Celtics v DCU Mercy, Leixlip Amenities Centre, 7.30; Women's National Cup – Round One: Glanmire v Meteors, Upper Glanmire Sports Centre, 7pm.

Sunday – Men’s SuperLeague: DCU Saints V Moycullen, DCU Sports Complex, 3.30; Women’s SuperLeague – Meteors v Team Montenotte Hotel, Coláiste Íosagáin, 3pm.