Turner switches on the style as Killester banish Demons
Bord Gáis Neptune are still challenging for second spot in the Southern Conference after their victory over Moycullen and UCC Demons’ loss to Killester.
Killester cruised to a 103-75 victory over Demons and while the result was not surprising, the 28 point margin that separated the sides certainly was.
Demons were quick off the mark and thanks to some sharp shooting from Marcus Van, were 14 points up before Killester’s Jermaine Turner and Pete Madsen took control of the game. Turner ended up with 29 points and Madsen hit 15.
Despite Marcus Van’s 28 point contribution, Demons had no answer to Killester’s defensive stance.
However Killester were shocked in last night’s clash with Belfast Star (101-82) a result which leaves the Ulster side in play-off contention.
Head Coach Danny Fulton said: “This match was the same as the last time [Star beat Killester] and that if their big men were going to beat us on the boards then we were going to run. We put the full court press for most of the game and worked hard on getting open lay ups”.
UL Eagles, coming off back to back losses to Killester and Demons, got back on track to confirm their play-off place with a 96-60 win over Ulster Elks.
“We needed a win and after two losses like that, you start to wonder what is wrong“, Coach Mark Bernsen said.
“We did a decent job defensively as they have got some good fire power and are more than capable on the offensive end.
“I am happy with the win and now the next weekend is crucial as we are playing for home court advantage so all our focus will be directed to that game.”
DCU Saints claimed second place in the Northern Conference with a 74-70 win over Belfast Star.
Pat Crean led the DCU Saints scoring in the second-half with a personal tally of 16 but Star’s Clayton Longmire led the return rally and ended up grabbing 28 points.
Saints’ coach Vinny O’Keeffe expressed his relief at the win as it gives his side a bit of breathing room.
“It should not have come down to free throws but we made them, won the game and now there is no pressure for next weekend,” he said.
“This is our first winning season since I took over and I am just so proud of what the guys have done.”
Moycullen’s Dylan Cunningham sunk 28 points but Michael Bonaparte hit back with 23 as Bord Gáis Neptune kept their hopes on track with an 85-77 win over Moycullen.
“We had spurts where we looked good but if we are going to win we are going to have to focus a lot more,” Neptune coach, Pat Price said.
“Next weekend is the real test as we have two road games that will be extremely difficult.
“I think we are a lot more settled and playing better basketball than before so coming into March I want to keep the winning momentum going.”
In the IrishSport.tv Women’s SuperLeague, UL sealed the Regular Season title courtesy of a 95-47 win over 11890 Killester.
But coach, James Weldon, said celebrations won’t be lasting long as they must remain focused for the play-offs.
“It’s a fantastic win and I am so happy for the players but we have to turn around and keep our unbeaten record at home safe against Oblate next weekend,” he said. “I think we are tougher mentally but when you go into the play-offs it’s an even score line with a fresh start for everyone so we have to stay focused.”
Waterford Wildcats beat Meteors 52-43 for their first win since January while DCU Mercy sailed past Oblate Black Forge Dynamos 82-38.
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