Shawn Atupem chipped in with scores of 23 and 29 points as UCC Demons secured the Southern Conference title and a home venue for the play-offs with back-to-back wins over Belfast Star in the Nivea for Men’s SuperLeague in Belfast at the weekend.

UCC Demons had to withstand a tremendous late comeback from UL Eagles before eventually sealing the points in the Nivea for Men’s SuperLeague clash at the Mardyke Arena last night and in the process, gained some measure of revenge for their recent cup final loss to the same opposition.

Bord Gáis Neptune kept the pressure on at the top of the Southern Conference with a comfortable victory over UCD Marian.

THERE was no refuge for beaten cup semi-finalists Bord Gáis Neptune and 11890 Killester on their return to the Nivea for Men SuperLeague.

UCC DEMONS overwhelmed neighbours Bord Gáis Neptunefor the second time in three weeks to qualify for the final of the National Cup on an 84-66 scoreline as the third derby game of the season brought the curtain down on an action-packed weekend of cup action in Cork.

THERE were mixed fortunes for the Cork sides, Bord Gáis Neptune and UCC Demons, ahead of their National Cup semi-final next Sunday.

AFTER Thursday night’s derby game, the two Cork teams were back in action in the Nivea for Men SuperLeague yesterday when UCC Demons maintained their good run of form with an 88-65 win over Moycullen at the Parochial Hall and Bord Gáis Neptune got back into the groove with an impressive 74-67 victory over UL Eagles at the University Arena.

DERBY games can be everything, close, tight, exciting but last night’s clash between UCC Demons and Bord Gáis Neptune was all about one side — Demons — and one can only wonder how much importance should be attached to the scoreline and the result, heading towards the business end of the Nivea for Men SuperLeague.

REIGNING champions, 11890 Killester, got their defence of the Nivea for Men SuperLeague title back on track on Saturday night with an emphatic 100-86 win over UCC Demons.

UCC DEMONS halted DCU Saints’ spectacular run in the Nivea for Men SuperLeague with an impressive 76-65 victory in a cross-conference clash at the Ongar Community Centre.

KILLESTER ended Bord Gais Neptune’s unbeaten run in the Nivea for Men SuperLeague when they defeated the Cork side 68-64 at the Neptune Stadium yesterday.

THERE was a dramatic end to yesterday’s NIVEA for MENSuperLeague clash at the Parochial Hall when the Technical officials stopped the game and awarded the points to 11890 Killester despite the fact UCC Demons were leading 60-42 after condensation was discovered on the floor.

THERE were perfect results for new coaches, Darren O’Neill and Mark Scannell, as the reigning NIVEA for MEN SuperLeague champions, 11890 Killester, Bord Gais Neptune, got the new basketball season under way.

Reigning Nivea For Men’s SuperLeague champions 11890 Killester got their defence off to a winning start at home to Belfast Star, while Bord Gais Neptune sent out an early marker with a comprehensive win at home to UL Eagles.