UCD Marian claim bragging rights in Belfield with convincing victory against UCC Demons

UCD Marian produced champagne basketball to stun UCC Demons 103-82 in the battle of the colours at Belfield.

After a rip-roaring first-half UCD commanded a 54-48 interval lead with Mike Jarrow hurting Demons at the post.

The game was decided in the third quarter when UCD outscored Demons 29-13.

Demons’ coach Tim O’Halloran agreed: “We were in the game up to half-time but in the third quarter our defence was abysmal and UCD were worthy winners.”

There was a capacity attendance at the Tralee Sports Centre as Irish TV Tralee Warriors had their first win of the campaign, defeating Belfast Star 63-56 on Saturday night.

The hosts trailed 34-31 at the break but, backed by their huge support, the Warriors produced a sterling second-half display with Dusan Bogdanovic finishing with a game-high 22 points. UL Eagles had their first win of the campaign when they easily defeated Kubs 90-61 after the Limerick side held a 47-32 interval lead.

DCU Saints got back to winning ways when defeating Moycullen 76-74 at NUIG.

Saints paved the way for the win with a solid first-half performance that saw them take a 14 point interval lead.

Griffith Swords Thunder have displayed serious form in recent weeks and their 84-57 win over Eanna sets them up nicely for their clash with Demons in Cork on Sunday.

The derby game between Templeogue and Killester in Dublin yesterday was a terrific encounter with the former taking the honours 82-74.

Killester produced a solid first half and deservedly led at the break 34-33 before a capacity crowd in Inchicore

They continued to dominate in the third and with veteran Jermaine Turner in superb form they held a three-point lead entering the final quarter.

Coming down the stretch Templeogue found their scoring touch and, inspired by Niall Randolph (22 points), they surged ahead to run out eight-point winners.

In the Women’s Super League, champions Glanmire, helped by a game-high 24 points from Grainne Dwyer, easily accounted for Portlaoise Panthers 82-59.

“The opening game of the season is a potential banana skin but my players adapted well and we dominated from start to finish,” said winning coach Mark Scannell.

DCU Mercy lost 59-57 at Meteors and Waterford Wildcats demolished league debutants NUIG Mystics 75-41. Liffey Celtics were in inspirational form when they easily accounted for Singleton’s Supervalu Brunell 73-56.