Templeogue’s first-half blitz ends UCC Demons’ Men's National Cup hopes
The Dublin side commanded a nine-point lead from the first leg but Demons on their home court were expected to peg them back.
That notion was put to bed as Templeogue surged into an 18-point lead at the interval. Although Demons battled hard on the restart and reduced the deficit to 74-72, Templeogue, inspired by Lorcan Murphy and Stephen James, held out for a deserved victory and advance to a quarter-final date with Griffith Swords Thunder who defeated Irish TV Tralee Warriors (77-64 ).
With Isaac Westbrooks superb at the point, Swords surged into a 32-31 lead. Tralee battled hard after the break but couldn’t close the gap enough to advance to the dismay of coach Mark Bernsen.
“It was a competitive game but I think Swords shot the ball better on the night and now we must keep focus on our league form,” Bernsen said.
Killester also advanced following a shock win away to fellow Dublin side DCU Saints 84-68. The game was in the balance up to the break with Killester commanding a 42-36 lead but inspired by veteran American Jermaine Turner they took control to run out comfortable 16-point winners.
Losing coach Joey Boylan cut a dejected figure afterwards. He said: “Killester wanted it more and we basically failed to build on last weeks second-half display that saw us play our best basketball of this campaign.”
Kubs defeated Eanna 68-53 to advance to the quarters to the delight of coach Mark Ingle.
“It has taken us longer than anticipated to get used to life in the fast lane but the guys have shown great maturity in the last three weeks and hopefully that progress will continue.”
UCD travelled to Limerick with a 27-point first-leg lead against UL Eagles and although they found the Shannonsiders in determined mood they still managed to run out five point winners 67-62. Mike Garrow led the scoring with a 23-point contribution.
There was one league game as Moycullen hosted Belfast Star to coincide with their 50-year celebration and managed to win 82-79 after extra time. The teams were level at 74 points each in normal time but the hosts, inspired by James Loughnane, held out for a thrilling win.
