DCU show no mercy to thwart champions

DCU Mercy gave an exhibition of basketball to defeat reigning champions Team Montenotte in a pulsating Women’s Premier National League clash yesterday.

The Cork side looked in a comfortable position at the break when commanding a seven-point lead (32-25) but they were ambushed in the second as the Dublin side ran out 72-55 winners.

DCU coach Mark Ingle praised his side’s battling performance.

“The first half was intense as we basically lacked scoring power but we looked a complete different unit in the second,” Ingle said.

Templeogue continued their unbeaten run in the Men’s Premier league when they trounced Eanna 88-57.

This game was settled in the first half when the league leaders surged into a 25-point lead.

C & S UCC Demons are hot on the trail of Templeogue as they travelled north and came away with a 105-83 win over Belfast Star.

The Cork side were always in control and a game high 24 points from Ciaran O’Sullivan was just what the doctor ordered for the joint captain.

“We got into our stride early and once we played free-flowing basketball there was no looking back for us,” O’Sullivan said.

DCU Saints still seek their first win following their 84-68 away defeat to Moycullen with Cian Nihill chipping in with 16 points for the winners.

Killester came back down to earth following their extra time win over UCD Marian last week as they lost at home to Swords Thunder 82-70.

Swords can thank the former Killester point-guard Isaac Westbrooks for 16 points as coach Dave Baker paid tribute to his teams intensity.

“This was a crucial game for us and after a sluggish start to the season our players like Isaac Westbrooks who were carrying injuries are almost up to speed,” Baker said.

“We will pose teams many teams problems in this campaign.”

UL Eagles could only manage a paltry 46 points at home to UCD Marian and ultimately lost 67-46, In a game where both teams found baskets hard to come by the UCD wing-man Dan James managed to contribute 20 points.

In the Women’s Premier League, Waterford Wildcats’ impressive form of late continued when they saw off Meteors 62-53.

The teams were level at 31 points each at the interval but American Jazmen Boone drained crucial second-half shots and finished with 22 points for the winners.

Killester had few problems in disposing of UL Huskies 97-51 and Liffey Celtics disposed of Portlaoise Panthers 83-61 at the Leixlip Sports Complex.