Liffey Celtics top the table after superb victory over Glanmire
The Cork side got off to a good start and commanded a 22-15 opening quarter lead.
In the second quarter the Kildare side began bossing the boards and led by the minimum at the break, 37-36.
The game turned on its head in the third period as Celtics took total control and extended their lead to 12 entering the final quarter.
Despite their best efforts Glanmire failed to get back on terms, much to the disappointment of coach Mark Scannell.
Scannell said: “We didn’t get the bounce of the ball coming down the stretch but I cannot fault the effort of my players and now it’s a case of going back to the drawing board.”
Griffith College Swords Thunder are the outright leaders in the Men’s Super League following their impressive 93-86 win over UCD Marian.
UCD had the better of the early exchanges with American Mike Garrow punishing Swords at will to earn a 50-45 interval lead.
In the second half, the class of Thunder resurfaced and with man of the match Isaac Westbrooks posing UCD numerous problems his side took maximum points in style.
Coach Dave Baker said: “After a sluggish start we are beginning to play the basketball we are capable of and I am proud of my players in the manner they executed when the game hung in the balance.”
Eanna produced another top class performance as they edged out Killester 75-73. The Clontarf side looked comfortable at the break when commanding a 10-point lead but in the second half Pat Glover’s side shut down Killester.
Glover said: “Killester were on a high coming into this game but credit to the guys they stuck at it and got their just reward.”
A buzzer beater from 39-year-old Emmet Donnelly broke the hearts of UCC Demons who suffered an 80-78 defeat to DCU Saints.
Saints were shocked last week when losing at Maree but this was the perfect way to respond according to coach Joey Boylan.
Boylan said: “I wasn’t a happy camper after our loss at Maree and it was a stunning way to finish after a truly gutsy performance.”
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors are certainly going through a slump, going down to their third consecutive defeat, this time to the hands of Templeogue by 80-71.
The Warriors led 46-39 at the break as the capacity attendance at the Tralee Sports complex got right behind them.
Templeogue took control in the third quarter and with Michael Bonaparte and Lorcan Murphy hitting key baskets they eventually wore down the Warriors.
For the Tralee coach Mark Bernsen it was another disappointing result.
Bernsen said: “The guys gave their all but in the end Templeogue got a run on us and we failed to go with them.”
Galway side Moycullen were recently on a tremendous run but Belfast Star brought them crashing down to earth with a stunning 80-75 win. The northerners led by 12 at the break, 42-30, and despite a late Moycullen rally Star held out for a battling win much to the relief of coach Darren O’Neill.
