UL Eagles flying after back-to-back wins

UL Eagles maintained their perfect start to the Men’s Premier League season when defeating Swords Thunder 77-71 at the Alsaa on Saturday.

The Limerick side were massive underdogs but coach Paul Kelleher was confident his team could produce an upset. “We played smartly and had an outstanding defence against one of the best teams in this league but we rode our luck at times coming down the stretch. There is a great camaraderie in my team and the guys are all determined to do well. We got the just rewards for our efforts.”

The Shannonsiders dominated the first-half and with American Staats Battle draining crucial baskets they led 39-30 at the break. Despite Swords drawing level, a strong final quarter from UL- led by Stephen King and Eoin Quigley - saw the Limerick side upset the formbook.

Templeogue, following their impressive win over the champions C & S UCC Demons last weekend, also secured their second successive win of the campaign with victory over DCU Saints 92-64.

This game was settled in the first-half when Templeogue raced into a 21-point interval lead. American Michael Bonaparte was in top form when landing a game high 35 points. The result was all the more impressive given that Jason Killeen is still sidelined with a knee injury.

C & S UCC Demons bounced back from last week’s shock loss to defeat Killester 83-53 at Clontarf. The Cork side started brightly and with player coach Colin O’Reilly leading by example they held a 13-point interval lead. Demons kept up that pace and the result was settled long before the sound of the final buzzer.

League debutants Eanna of Dublin travelled north and came away with maximum points following their 85-82 win over Belfast Star while Moycullen are still looking for their first win following their home defeat to UCD Marian (85-66).

In the Women’s Premier League, champions Team Montenotte were impressive 87-65 winners over Meteors with Niamh Dwyer giving an exhibition of shooting - she hit 28 points, including six three pointers. Liffey Celtics were pushed all the way before running out 62-58 winners over UL Huskies while Waterford Wildcats just edged out Portlaoise Panthers (62-60) with American Jazmen Boone nailing 26 points for the winners.