Killester forced to forfeit against Neptune

DART KILLESTER let things slip literally in double overtime on Saturday night as they forfeited a very tight encounter with Neptune in basketball’s Men’s Superleague.

With condensation accumulating on a new hardwood floor at the Greendale Gym, match officials were forced to call a halt to proceedings two minutes into the second period of overtime, awarding the victory to Neptune when Killester were leading by a point, 94-93.

The game, though generally sloppy, was exciting for the near-sellout crowd and neither team led by more than three points at any given time. Indeed, the score was tied at the end of the first quarter, at half-time and the end of regulation.

Killester benefited from the inside play of Serbian Bana Tomic, who complemented the outside game of compatriot Vlad Radanovac, who scored 16 points. Tomic led all scores with 26 points, and grabbed 14 rebounds.

In Tralee Abrakebabra Tigers saw off Shamrock Rovers Hoops 91-89, Luke O’Hea grabbing 29 points for the winners.

After a disappointing start last week in their quest to regain their Northern Conference title, Roma St Vincent’s dug deep with a team effort to defeat Gleneagle Lakers 117-106.

Lakers, also searching for their first win of the new season, started well, with Justin Wingaurd leading the way, ably assisted with 11 points from Tim Sullivan and taking a 31-26 first quarter lead and repeating their superiority inside in the second to open up a 21-point half-time lead, 42-63, Wingaurd and Sullivan scoring 48 points between them.

ROMA had the better start to the third quarter with eight St Vincent’s players scoring and James Donnelly shooting four three-pointers in a better team effort. Defence was strong too with Emmet Donnelly clocking up four steals in addition to his six assists as the lead narrowed going into the fourth at 75-89 to Lakers.

The visitors wobbled in the home straight, and Vincent’s capitalised, levelling with three minutes left on the game clock and finishing confidently with an 11-point cushion.

In Mayo, a strong final-quarter performance by Limerick Lions also gave them an important win, 92-98 over Team Merry Monk Ballina. The home side made amends yesterday, though, beating MDS Star 97-84.

Ballina took the lead early in the game and despite being comfortable throughout found it hard to put Star of the Sea away. The team appeared to maintain the lead without stamping their authority on the match.

Ballina were pleased as their main aim was victory to gain confidence before next weekend’s cup game.

There was no joy for the visitors in Cork, either, as UCD went down 108-93 to UCC Demons.

In the Women’s Superleague, DART Killester were shot down 88-96 at home to UL Aughinish in a hard-fought game, with UL’s Irish international Michelle Aspell outstanding with a 49-point game total. Killester’s American Sue Altman was a class act in front of a big crowd in Greendale, netting an impressive 44 points but UL held it together in the final minute to close out the match and maintain their 100% record.

Meteors did likewise, pulling away in the final quarter to defeat the Wildcats 49-41.

In the first half Meteors were led by Amy Donnelly but the Wildcats managed to even the game up after poor Meteors play in the second half, leaving the game well poised heading into the final quarter with just four points between the teams. Meteors finished stronger, easing away for the victory.

Leah Truncale (16 points, 12 rebounds) and Amy Donnelly (15 points, 10 rebounds) led the Meteors scoring while the Wildcats were led by Grainne Dwyer with 11 points.