UCC Demons edge out Notre Dame in thriller

Notre Dame 97 UCC Mardyke Demons 105 (after extra time)

UCC Demons sent cup favourites Denny Notre Dame crashing out of the ESB Men's Cup after a sensational overtime semi-final win at the ESB Arena today.

Demons started brightly and led 27-23 at the end of the first quarter but they were in foul trouble.

They trailed at the break by three, with an Anthony Jenkins three-pointer on the buzzer giving them the interval lead (52-49).

Demons gave up 25 free throws in the first half and once they eliminated these silly fouls, Notre Dame had to work a lot harder for their points and this extra effort told in the end.

Demons led by six with ten minutes to go but Notre Dame, inspired by veteran Jenkins, refused to go away.

The sides were level 89 each with nine seconds remaining and Demons had the ball but their star player James Singleton missed his last gasp shot.

Demons were the better side in overtime and with Singleton scoring at will, Demons ran out comfortable winners in the end by eight points.