Mardyke Demons through to ESB final

Mardyke UCC Demons 87 Merry Monk Ballina 78

1st Quarter, UCC Demons 19 Ballina 14

2nd Quarter, UCC Demons 47 Ballina 36

3rd Quarter, UCC Demons 66 Ballina 56

Reigning champions Mardyke UCC Demons are on course for a third National Cup win in 19 years, as the Corkmen saw off the challenge of Merry Monk Ballina 87-78 in today’s first semi-final at the ESB Arena in Tallaght.

It was a tight finish, however, as Division One side Ballina, inspired by 38-year-old former Mayo Gaelic footballer Liam McHale, fought back from an 11-point deficit to close the game to four by a third quarter three-pointer by current Mayo midfielder Ronan McGarrity, his second of the game.

McHale had to leave the court with torn ankle ligaments six minutes later at 53-51 down, and despite rallying scores from McGarrity who finished with 23 points, UCC held on.

American DJ Harrison scored 19 points in the first half for a 47-36 lead at the break, and he added six in the second period to head the scoring stakes with fellow countryman Torrey Butler, who finished on the same tally of 25 points.

Shane Coughlan, the free-throw hero of last year’s final, dictated play at point guard, shooting six points in the first half and collecting four personal fouls in a busy performance.