Plucky Tralee Warriors win round one of battles with UCC Demons

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors produced a magnificent third quarter to defeat UCC Demons 89-76 in the Men’s Super League. 

The Cork side, minus captain Kyle Hosford, raced into a 12 point first quarter lead but Warriors responded, with American Trae Pemberton superb as they tied the game at the interval 45-45.

In the second half, the Kerry side began dominating as Demons’ tame challenge petered out. The sides will face off again on Wednesday week in the Men’s National Cup quarter-final at the Parochial Hall (December 13).

Reflecting on the game the Warriors coach Mark Bernsen believes the cup game will be a different battle: “Demons minus Hosford are not the same side and I am sure we will see a different Demons side in the cup clash.”

The biggest surprise of the weekend saw league leaders Griffith College Swords Thunder lose 76-73 at home to Killester behind the class of Ciaran Roe (23) at the point coupled with some outstanding shooting from American Royce Williams (27).

Admitted Swords Thunder coach Dave Baker: “We have been playing outstanding basketball and suddenly our scoring dried up today.”

In the President’s Cup quarter-finals, two Cork and two Kerry teams have made it through to the Hula Hoops Cup semi-finals, with Keane’s SuperValu Killorglin maintaining their unbeaten run with a win over Paris Texas Kilkenny, while Scotts Lakers St Paul’s, Killarney caused an upset by running out 85-92 point winners over Fr Mathews.

Ballincollig overcame Portlaoise Panthers 83-66, while Gamefootage.net Titans conceded their clash with Neptune to put the Cup holders through to the semi-finals.

There were big celebrations in Donegal too as newcomers to the League and Cup competition this year, Fabplus North West, caused a massive upset in their quarter-final battle, winning out 69-56 over an experienced UL Huskies side.

“We are so happy with our win this afternoon,” said coach, Paul McDevitt. “It was a tight game, but the girls came good. Now we’re looking forward to our first ever Cup semi-final in January.”