Eagles swoop for sixth win on the trot

UL EAGLES cruised to a sixth Superleague win out of seven yesterday, destroying Moycullen with 30 points to spare in Limerick.

On a weekend when Killester made it six out of six, Belfast Star had the relief of a first victory as they won on the road at UCD Marian (85-75). Star’s American, Clayton Longmire, netted an impressive 32 points and was supported by teammates Stephen Dawson and Scott Summersgill who combined for 28 points to give their Northern club its first success.

“We played amazing defence in the second half and it feels so good to win” said Star coach Danny Fulton. “We got all ten players out onto the court and everyone contributed. Even with being so young, everyone did their job and we are excited about the win”.

UL Eagles enjoyed a comfortable afternoon yesterday as they saw off Moycullen 85-55. Eagles’ Cameron Mitchell scored 22 points to help the Limerick side return to winning ways as they prepared for next weekend’s Cup match up with Bord Gáis Neptune.

“It was important for us to get back to winning ways” said UL Head Coach Mark Bernsen. “While it was a comfortable win, it is imperative for us to concentrate and work on improving our skills for our Cup game”.

It was Moycullen’s second setback of the weekend – on Saturday DCU Saints saw them off, 80-66, in Galway.

11890 Killester retained their 100 percent record with their sixth win of the season against Ulster Elks 84-69. Ulster Elks’ player Ben De La Cruz netted 19 points but it wasn’t enough to give the northern side the victory as Killester’s defence stood strong.

Killester’s Jermaine Turner was good for 25 points, with coach Mark Keenan underlining the hunger of his squad afterwards.

“The team is very determined this year and we are reminding everyone constantly not to be complacent. We have a Cup game looming and every game is needed to ensure that we go back to the finals.”

In the Women’s SuperLeague, champions Team Montenotte Hotel Cork surged past DCU Mercy, UL celebrated their first game of the season with a victory and Oblate Dynamos cruised to their second win over Waterford .

Team Montenotte Hotel led by 13 at half time against the cup holders but DCU managed to rally back to within five points by the end of the third quarter.

However, Montenotte defence held strong for the final quarter and Head Coach Mark Scannell attributes the victory to veterans Gráinne Dwyer and Marie Breen’s 50 point contribution.

On Saturday, UL’s first game of the season ended in success. Despite being without veteran Rachel Vanderwal due to an ankle injury, UL crushed Meteors 91-41, with coach James Weldon admitting: “The girls were just anxious to get out on the floor after a long 12 weeks of pre-season. Our posts did exceptional. To have your three tallest players be the top scorers of the game says a lot and I thought the girls did very well in sharing the ball and getting points on the board.”