UL show no mercy to make semis

UL continue to show just why they have become the dominant force in Irish basketball — their men’s and women’s teams are both defending league and cup champions and at the weekend they showed why by handing out 20- and 44-point beatings, respectively, to their cup rivals.

The men (UL Eagles) outscored Killester 94-74 but required a strong third quarter to put away the Dubliners. The ladies side, UL Huskies, demolished an extremely talented and dangerous Singleton SuperValu Brunell team in Limerick.

After establishing a 17-point lead at half time, Huskies continued to pour on the points, winning in the end by 95-51.

The win pushes their unbeaten streak to 44 games and served a stark reminder to the remaining three other teams that they remain the side to beat in women’s basketball.

Elsewhere, UCD Marian, Bord Gáis Neptune and UCC Demons, respectively, claimed the remaining men’s semi-final spots. Eagles will meet UCD Marian who hurdled the tricky challenge of Moycullen in Galway while the game of the round will be the meeting of the Bord Gáis Neptune and UCC Demons.

In the ladies, DCU Mercy, Team Montenotte Hotel Cork and WIT Wildcats advanced to the semi-final stages.