UCD Marian confirm status as top contenders
Thunder led by seven points at half-time before Marian upped the tempo — and the physicality — in the second half. “We were in control of the game in the first half, we just couldn’t pull away,” said losing coach Dave Baker.
Eanna moved up to sixth place with a 93-86 win over DCU Saints. Luke Thompson scored 21 points for the Dublin oufit who were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat to SSE Airtricity Moycullen.
“You have to take the wins when you can because you’re going to run into some big teams,” said Eanna player/coach Ciaran MacEvilly.
“A lot of teams struggle in their first year at this level. We know it’ll take more than just throwing a bunch of plays together if we want to compete.”
Templeogue’s first road trip outside of Dublin didn’t threaten their unbeaten run as they powered to a 20-point win over SSE Airtricity Moycullen while Pyrobel Killester were also away winners against Belfast Star.
C&S UCC Demons eased to a 102-79 victory over UL Eagles at the Mardyke Arena, Kyle Hosford top scoring for the Cork outfit with 17 points.
DCU Mercy emerged unscathed from a busy weekend of Women’s Premier League action. Sarah Woods scored 26 points against Courtyard Liffey Celtics on Saturday and was among the top scorers again as Mercy came from behind to beat Meteors yesterday.
“We’re strongest when we run the court,” said Woods. “Our speed really helped us, especially against teams who try to slow the game down.”
Team Montenotte Hotel also had to come from behind twice to maintain their unbeaten record with wins over Maxol WIT Wildcats and Courtyard Liffey Celtics.
Maxol WIT Wildcats recovered in time from their first trip to Cork to beat Singleton SuperValu Brunell at the Parochial Hall on Sunday. American duo Jazmen Boone and Katie Fox combined for 33 points in the comeback win.
Portlaoise Panthers saw off UL Huskies in a bottom of the table clash in Limerick. The 75-42 victory was the Laois side’s first ever in Irish basketball’s top flight. Maeve O’Sullivan and Nicole Arnone led the scoring with 21 points apiece while 16-year-old Claire Melia chipped in with 18 points.
