Killester coach Keenan says win over Demons typifies players’ self-belief
Demons held a five point advantage at the break with Marcus Van and Shane Coughlan causing plenty of problems for the reigning champions. However, Killester were in no mood to relinquish their perfect start to the season and once again the influential Jermaine Turner top scored with 23 points.
“It was one of the toughest games we’ve had this season,” agreed Killester coach Mark Keenan. “We got off to a slow start but we got going in the second half. I am delighted and this game typifies the spirit and belief the players have.
“We just didn’t get up to our defensive intensity in the first-half but we made a huge improvement after the break,” added Keenan. “It is a significant result considering we had just eight fit players at our disposal.”
DCU Saints coach Vinny O’Keeffe admitted their win over Belfast Star yesterday was a season-defining clash — whether they won or lost.
The Saints bounced back from their loss to UCD/Marian to record a 90-77 win over Star yesterday. The Saints restricted Star’s American Clayton Longmire to just 18 points and once again reached the 90-point mark this season.
“It was a badly needed win after losing to UCD,” said DCU coach Vinny O’Keeffe.
“We scored just 69 points against UCD, which was largely down to their excellent defensive work. I was delighted we once again reached the 90 point mark after a disappointing display on Saturday.
“I felt this game could define our season and the players showed tremendous character to get the win. It’s all systems go now for the cup game with UCD Marian.”
UCD coach Fran Ryan says their 81-69 win over DCU Saints on Saturday night won’t have any bearing when the sides meet again next Saturday in the quarter finals of the National Cup. The Saints led at the break by four points but Marian bounced back after the re-start and stepped up their defensive responsibilities. DCU were restricted to just 16 points in the first 15 minutes of the second-half and UCD opened up a commanding nine point lead.
Eoin Quill kept Saints in the game, scoring 12 points in less than two minutes, but it wasn’t enough as Marian maintained their second spot in the Northern Conference.
Said Ryan: “They are a big and a physically very strong side. I think the scoreline was a little generous. There is a game next Saturday, one game of Basketball and a big incentive if we can get through that one.”
Cork’s Bord Gais Neptune maintaining their play-off charge with a twenty six point mauling of Moycullen on Saturday night (74-100).
Neptune held a commanding 55-26 lead at the break, and while the westeners showed tremendous determination after the break, (outscoring Neptune in the third quarter), it was too little too late. Mason Ambler continued his recent good form for Moycullen with 30 points, while Michael McGinn was the hero for Neptune, contributing 28 points and six steals.
Said Neptune coach Pat Price: “We were fortunate that Michael McGinn was as good as he was. He managed to get 28 points and six steals, which is remarkable given the tough week he had to endure (suffered a head injury in their previous win over UCD Marian).”
In the IrishSport.TV Women’s SuperLeague games, Team Montenotte Hotel Cork continued their 100% start to the season away to Meteors (89-63) but their coach Mark Scannell doffed his cap to the opposition.
“Meteors deserve huge credit,” added Scannell.
“They played with no fear and Eimear Mairtin gave us plenty of problems. They are going in the right direction. I was pleased we got the chance to see some of the younger players, including Kate McCaullife, who made her debut. We had some good performances, including Amanda O’Regan, who scored 17 points in the first-half.”
DCU Mercy prepared for their mammoth National Cup clash with UL next weekend with a resounding 67-39 win at home to 11890 Killester on Sunday.
The game featuring UL and Waterford Wildcats was postponed due to the poor weather conditions.
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