Neptune claim second spot and secure home advantage in play-offs

Bord Gais Neptune ensured second place in the Southern Conference ahead of UL Eagles in the final game of the season.

Head coach Mark Scannell was delighted his side confirmed second place with their 82-56 win over Moycullen. The victory was the perfect response following their 84-80 defeat by UCC Demons on Friday night and they can now look forward to home advantage against UCD Marian in the quarter-finals of the play-offs.

Former Killester star Michael Bonaparte was drafted into the squad and made an immediate response with 20 points against Demons before top-scoring with 19 points against Moycullen.

“It was crucial we got home advantage in the play-offs,” said Scannell. “Home advantage is extremely important and the results over the last few seasons in the play-offs prove this.”

UCC Demons are showing real title form after following up their derby win with a devastating 85-66 showing against UCD Marian on yesterday. Demons will also have home advantage in the semi-final play-offs and will play the winners of the 1890 Killester/UL Eagles clash.

UL Eagles finished third in the Southern Conference but ended their regular season in disappointing fashion, losing 80-75 at home to Belfast Star.

11890 Killester sent out a serious signal of intent by beating capital rivals DCU Saints 73-54 yesterday.

Both sides have already assured themselves of a play-off place, with Saints progressing to a home semi-final as Northern Conference winners.

In the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague, UL added the regular season crown to their ever growing trophy cabinet after comprehensive wins over Team Montenotte Hotel and Ulster Rockets respectively.

Waterford Wildcats won the race for fifth after a 65-46 win away to Meteors and Killester lie await in the play offs.

DCU Mercy, already safe in third position, prepared for the play-offs with a dominant 79-31 win over Oblate Dynamos.