Demons aim to tame Lions and stay on treble trail
They are virtually assured of a place in the play-off stages of the SuperLeague but that does not mean they will be taking the foot off the pedal when they travel to Shannonside.
“Our transition defence and ability to close out on Limerick’s shooters will be key,” said Demons coach, Douglas Leichner, said. “As always, the importance of rebounding will be stressed during our preparation.
“The Lions have a balanced scoring attack led by sharp shooter American Sean Coffey, post player American Joel Green, talented Stephen King and physical Rob Lynch.”
However, it is likely Scott Kinevane will miss the game but head coach JP Nerbun is hoping his charges can match up. “Going into this weekend’s game we are focusing on playing well especially given the run that Demons are currently on,” said Nerbun. “It looks like Scott won’t be available although we won’t know our final position probably until Saturday morning.
“We got blitzed in the first quarter last week up in Belfast by an Ian O’Boyle salvo and we need to make sure we dig in early against Demons or the same thing can happen.”
DCU Saints are one of only three teams to beat Killester this season but, after three losses in January, they are in a must-win situation when they host Neptune this weekend.
DCU’s Irish international Emmet Donnelly said: “We’ve had a tough January particularly given the fact that we ended the year on a high, winning three straight league games in December,” he said. “We lost our last three so we’re looking to show our character and put in a strong performance against Neptune.”
Neptune have a place in the play-offs at their mercy after an exciting overtime win away to UCD/Marian.
“We just have to try and keep winning every game to ensure a play-off spot,” coach Stephen McCarthy, said. “Saints will want to avenge the cup defeat as they probably feel they left the game behind them.”
Hoops face a big weekend in their quest for a place in the business end of the competition with a clash at home to fellow challengers Belfast Star, followed by a tricky visit to UCD/Marian on Sunday.
Their cause has not been helped by the absence of Joey Haastrup who is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a torn knee ligament.
“It’s hugely frustrating,” said coach Ahmad Smith. “We need to put an end to this run and get our first win of 2009. We are lucky to be still in with a chance of qualifying for the play-offs.”
UCD/Marian’s hugely positive campaign hit a blip last weekend but they can get back on track if they can beat Ulster Elks tomorrow night and then avenge that loss to Hoops on Sunday.
Abrakebabra Tigers make the trip to the capital to face a DART Killester without Micheal Quirke and Kieran Donaghy who will be missing for the remainder of the season.
DART Killester can wrap up the Northern Conference if they win this but it might not be all that easy.
“It’s all about re-focusing our attention on the league now,” said coach Mark Keenan. “The cup is behind us now so we are determined to end the season on a high.”
Basketball Ireland’s Women’s Superleague leaders, DCU Mercy, entertain Leisureworld Churchfield Iona on Sunday, while Bausch & Lomb Wildcats face a tough UL Aughinish side tomorrow.
Team Montenotte Hotel Cork’s quest to claim another treble continues away to a DART Killester side still looking for their first win of the season while Tolka Rovers’ slim chances of making the play-offs stages will be tested at home to Meteors tomorrow evening.
It will take something special to catch the traditional ‘big four’ for a place in the play-off’s, with Tolka and IONA needing an almost perfect run in these final weeks to break the stranglehold.
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