Dynamic UCC Demons storm back to down UL Eagles

UCC Demons had to show huge resilience in the fourth quarter to see off UL Eagles in the Men’s Super League at the UL Arena on Saturday.

The Cork side trailed 65-59 entering the last quarter but, inspired by the O’Sullivan brothers Ciaran, 28, and Adrian, 26, they managed to wear down their hosts to record a six-point victory (78-84).

Coach Tim O’Halloran was relieved to escape with the win. “For some strange reason every game this season we have failed to come out of the blocks and we will go back to the training court on Monday and work that little bit harder,” he said.

UCD Marian continued their tremendous season with a 74-62 win over Killester. The students stormed in a 20-point interval lead and though Killester rallied on the restart, the outcome was never in doubt.

Griffith Swords Thunder had a second-half wake-up call that saw them blitz DCU Saints 102-73. The sides were tied at 47 points each at the half but a 65-point second-half onslaught secured a crucial win for Swords.

Coach Dave Baker said: “We weren’t tuned in for the opening 20 minutes but credit to the guys, they showed their class in the second.”

Tralee Warriors were surprisingly tested at home by basement side Eanna before running out 78-74 winners.

The Kerry side led at the break 40-39 but, helped by a 20-point contribution from Fergal O’Sullivan, they won out.

In the Men’s Super League National Cup first round, Moycullen had a stunning win against Belfast Star. The Galway side commanded a one-point lead from the first leg and, in a thriller, they managed to grind out a 84-80 win to advance to the quarter-finals.

In the Women’s Super League, Team Ambassador UCC Glanmire kept their unbeaten record intact, overcoming NUIG Mystics 81-48 in Galway. The game was finely poised at the break, Glanmire leading by five points, but their class surfaced, with Grainne Dwyer leading their scoring with 20 points.

Coach Mark Scannell was delighted but warned his troops to stay focused. “We are off next weekend and then travel to play Wildcats in the cup quarter-final and that’s our total focus for now,” he said.

Liffey Celtics continued their good form, easily accounting for WIT Wildcats 78-50.