Improving Neptune look to build on mini-revival
The points will be valuable in their bid to get off the bottom of the table but the performance will be even more important in advance of the derby game with high flying Demons next Friday night at Neptune Stadium.
“We’re well outside the play-off zone and my target would be not to end up at the bottom spot,” coach Michael Evans admitted. “But we finally got a win last weekend and I was happy considering we lost Dajan (Smith) with 15 minutes to go and we had four Irish guys on the court. If there was such a thing as a draw, Tralee maybe deserved it but we went to the zone and they couldn’t break it down.”
The win was long overdue. They may have beaten Limerick a few weeks ago - not long after he took over at the helm - and, against Lakers, the breaks just did not fall their way.
“We would expect to beat UCD but it does not always happen like that so we’ll be showing them a lot of respect. You don’t get points for turning up.”
Neptune, after a disastrous first half to the season, have been showing signs of recovery in recent weeks and the real measure of how far they have come will be next Friday against Demons.
“I did not see the other two games but, by all accounts, they were over at half time,” coach Evans said. “Let’s face it, Demons are the team, they have depth, they have strength, they have everything. I would be hoping that we can stay in the game a little longer this time and then you’d never know what might happen down the stretch.”
Dajan Smith picked up an injury against Abrakebabra Tigers but Neptune are confident he will start tomorrow night.
DART Killester, who were in action on Wednesday night, have to face UCC Demons, at home tomorrow night in need of a win if they are to stay in the hunt for the northern conference crown. Michael Plichta and James Whyte will be called upon to limit Killester’s mammoth option in the post, 6’7 Brana Tomic. Tomic has been the most dominant post player in the conference this season, but will be tested by Demons attack as well as the versatility of the Demons forwards.
Limerick Lions travel to Belfast to play MDS Star intent on getting back to winning ways following their loss last week to Demons.
Roma St Vincent’s, who were in action against Killester last night, play Abrakebabra Tigers. The Tigers currently lie fourth in the South Conference and will need this victory if they are to try catch Lakers.
Gleneagle Lakers host Shamrock Rovers Hoops tomorrow night and they will want to tighten their grip on third spot although Hoops who are coming off the back of a big win against Merry Monk Ballina could cause an upset.
After last weekend’s loss to UL Aughinish, Vienna Woods Glanmire will be looking for a win over Bausch & Lomb Wildcats tomorrow night when the Waterford side will again be without injured Mo Leahy.
Mustang Sallys St. Paul’s travel to UL Aughinish in the knowledge that they are guaranteed a quarter final spot.
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