Demons stunned by Lions

THE shock of the season at the Mardyke Arena last night as UCC Demons lost to basement side Limerick Lions in the Nivea for Men SuperLeague.

This was a game that the Cork side were expected to win at their ease but they came up against rejuvenated Lions side that fully deserved their victory.

The opening quarter was scrappy with both teams consistently turning the ball over and missing easy buckets.

Demons could not buy a bucket and only for the contribution of their Bosman Alex Zimnickas they would have been in serious trouble.

Zimnickas had an outstanding period chipping in 12 points of Demons 16 point total.

With the Lions contesting well in most departments and player coach Matt Hall shooting well they were unlucky to be trailing 16-15 entering the second quarter.

The Shannonsiders came out like a team possessed and after five minutes they surged into a nine-point lead.

It got worse for Demons as the Lions American duo Kiah Thomas and Jenar Harrison continued to score at will which saw them race into a 34-20 lead with fine minutes to the interval.

The introduction of American Terence Todd helped Demons cause as they produced their best basketball of the game to edge into a 43-42 interval lead.

There was little to choose between the teams in the third quarter as Demons inept defence allowed the Lions to score at will.

Shane Coughlan and Todd kept Demons in the game with some nice shots outside the arc that saw them lead 58-57 with three minutes remaining in the quarter.

Once again the Shannonsiders responded and with player coach Hall and Harrison hitting the two final buckets they led 67-65 entering the crucial final period.

Coughlan hit a three-pointer after 12 seconds and when Levi Levine followed up with bucket Demons had taken a 70-67 lead.

For the next five minutes Demons dominated and commanded a seven-point lead with six minutes remaining.

The determined Lions responded and with Demons defence non-existent they allowed their opponents back in the game.

In the final minutes Lions Irish players Niall Campbell and Stephen King shot impressive three-pointers that knocked the stuffing out of Demons.

The sound of the final buzzer was met with disbelief by the Demons fans after witnessing their side produce their poorest performance of the season.