DCU Saints stead Swords’ thunder
This game was a highly competitive affair from tip off and Swords finished the first half in style with a stunning three pointer from Isaac Westbrooks that edged them into a 40-38 lead.
In the second half Saints piled on the pressure and with American Duane Johnson showing nice touches they surged into a six-point lead entering the final quarter. Coming down the stretch Swords did everything to get back in the back in the game but the Saints held firm much to the relief of coach Joey Boylan.
“We were disappointed with our performance against UCC Demons last week and I urged my players for an improved display and they duly obliged,” Boylan said.
Templeogue got back to winning ways when travelling north and securing maximum points against Belfast Star 81-63. Coach Mark Keenan was eager to get his injury-ravaged side back to winning ways following their defeat last week to Killester and they didn’t let him down. Michael Bonaparte finished with a game-high 31 points as coach Keenan praised his troops.
“We have had a terrible run of injuries before and after our cup win but the guys showed remarkable intensity from start to finish,” Keenan said.
Basement side Eanna produced a season best to defeat UL Eagles 97-96. It took extra time to separate the sides after they finished 85 points each at full time but with Luke Thomson chipping in with 32 points they stunned the Limerick side into submission.
Killester and UCD Marian were involved in a thrilling low scoring Dublin derby with the former securing the points with a hard fought 68-65 win.
The students commanded a 36-35 interval lead but Killester can thank the contributions of Juan Martinez and Paul Dick as they held out for a crucial win.
Naturally the Killester coach Brian O’Malley was happy with his team’s performance.
“It was a dogged game with both teams playing excellent defence and I am glad the guys have found a way to see out close games,” Brian said.
In the Women’s Premier league Killester’s poor run since losing the cup final to Team Montenotte continued as they went down at home to Meteors 75-72.
Killester played some impressive basketball in the first half and a buzzer beater from Rae Contreras ensured they led 41-35 at the break.
Credit to Meteors their intensity and shooting from American Emily Leer eventually punished their opponents as they nicked this game at the death.
For the Meteors coach Mark Byrne this was another superb performance from his side.
“We certainly had to dig deep but we have been playing excellent basketball in recent weeks and I am delighted for the players who have shown a tremendous attitude at our training sessions,” Mark said.
Team Montenotte continued with their recent rich vein of form when accounting for UL Huskies 78-58 that keeps them on track to secure runner up spot in the regular season much to the delight of coach Mark Scannell.
“I am happy with the win as UL have been playing consistently well in recent weeks but once we found our stride I wasn’t worried,” Mark said.
By virtue of Killester’s loss, DCU Mercy clinched the regular season before their clash with WIT Wildcats - but they were given a lesson side by the Waterford side who ran out comfortable 76-55 winners.
Nevertheless it was their first silverware in five years. The Coolock side have 12 wins to date in the season - enough to earn the trophy.
“We know now we’re the most consistent team,” said captain Sarah Woods. “The best team is the one that brings home the most trophies but this means a lot to the players and the club and we’re delighted to be hanging another banner from the rafters.”
Singleton’s Supervalu Brunell pipped Kildare side Liffey Celtics to the final play off spot when defeating them 59-44 in a low-scoring game at Gurranabraher.
The result guarantees the Cork side an away quarter-final in the post-season.
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