Waterford's unbeaten run at stake

Waterford Crystal go into action against Team Sligo today knowing that a win will make them the only team in the Superleague with a 100 per cent record.

Waterford defeated Neptune 80-79 over the weekend in a tightly fought match during which only one point separated the two teams for the entire game. Neptune, who also beat Tolka Rovers 94-78, later disputed the result arguing that there was more time remaining in the match. Following a time out a quick delivery to American Eric Blair offered him the chance for a winning lay-up which he gladly accepted before the game ended in some controversy.

Neptune had entered the weekend with both Waterford and Dublin Bay Vikings as the only undefeated sides. But Vikings also had their run terminated when they met Notre Dame in their second game of the weekend, having firstly defeated UCD Marian.

Vikings first match at UCD produced a total of 21 three pointer scores, 15 of which came from the Vikings. Kevin Byrne and Jay Fazandes scored a combined total of 50 points suggesting that they would go into their home game against Notre Dame in a confident mood.

Notre Dame, however, could only win one of their two games going down in the other 77-81 to Blue Demons in overtime.

Killarney had a successful weekend after a difficult start to the season. Defeating Tolka Rovers 82-77 and Limerick 7476 gives the Kerry side their first victories of the season.

Marlborough Saints began their weekend in upbeat form defeating Blue Demons 86-83 and today meet Killester in their second match. Star of the Sea also secured maximum points with an 83-74 win over Sligo, who today meet Waterford in an effort to salvage something from the weekend. Sligo started well against the Belfast side but Star took control at the end of the second quarter and at one stage were as much as 24 points ahead before comfortably holding on to the game.

In the preliminary rounds of the Sprite Cup an outstanding performance from Liam McHale could not save Ballina from an early exit when they suffered a five point defeat at the hands of National League newcomers Clare Jets.

Jet's American Quincy Gamble, who hit a game high of 27 points, edged the game in favour of his side despite 24 points from Mchale including a 100 per cent record from the free throw line. The Jets went on to beat Queens Graduates 81-76 in Ennistymon to progress to the next round.

Tralee Tigers joined the jets with a thoroughly comprehensive defeat of Cobras. The Kerry side went through with some ease winning their match 11646.