Swords Thunder slayed by UCD Marian
The first half was a tactical affair but former Dublin Inter player Laimonas Jonaitis was the standout player and his efforts helped the hosts to a 43-39 interval lead.
On the restart there was little to choose between the sides but in the closing quarter the UCD Spanish ace Dustan Moreira and Mark Nagle nailed the baskets that saw them run out comfortable winners.
Swords coach Dave Baker had few complaints about the loss but admitted it was not the ideal preparation for next weekend’s Cup showpiece
“We will have to defend better in the cup final or we will be blown out but I am sure my players know the negatives that came out of this defeat.”
Their opponents in the final, Templeogue, demolished Galway side Moycullen 84-59 at the Oblate Hall Inchicore.
The Dublin outfit were minus American Michael Bonaparte and senior international Conor Grace but Jason Killeen (21) and Lorcan Murphy (14) stepped up to the plate in style.
Eanna remain rooted at the bottom of the table following their defeat to DCU Saints with American Duane Johnson landing a game high 31 points.
Champions C & S UCC Demons remain in the hunt to retain their title, defeating UL Eagles 85-62 yesterday.
In the Women’s Premier league leaders DCU Mercy were comfortable 77-49 winners against Portlaoise Panthers with American Chelsea Painter hitting 19 points.
Both Premier Women’s Cup finalists Team Montenotte and Killester had wins over Liffey Celtics and Singleton’s Supervalu Brunell respectively.
Team Montenotte eased to a 66-39 win while Killester had to come from behind for a nervy 71-63 victory.
Brunell led the cup finalists for over three quarters of the game but a 31-point contribution from Killester’s American Rae Contreras proved the difference.
Brunell coach Kieran O’Leary admitted: “I will have nightmares as there is no way we should have lost this game.”
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