Play-off spots up for grabs

With just five weeks left in the regular season, all teams have their eyes firmly fixed on capturing a coveted play-off spot in the NIVEA for Men SuperLeague quarter-finals (to take place on March 18 and 19).

There is good news in the Killester camp as they hope to sign a new Serbian, Aleksandra Lekic, in time for tonight’s clash against UCD at 9pm in Greendale.

Lekic, who plays in the guard position, has played professionally in both Serbia and Bosnia and will be a welcome addition to the team in the final stretch of the season.

However, they will be without Michael Westbrooks and big man Kieran O’Brien, who are currently in the United States.

Tonight’s clash against DART is a key game for UCD as it may open up the possibility of a play-off spot or terminate whatever hope exists.

A win could mean they would only have to tie with Killester to get a play-off spot resulting from a 2-1 win record over them through the season.

All players are available and fit, with Coach Gerry Barron continuing to go with one American, Nate Lufkin, in the team and giving more responsibility to his talented Irish players.

Merry Monk Ballina will face Roma St Vincent’s on Saturday night at home. Roma have not being doing well of late losing their last three matches, and have slipped to third place in the North.

The Dubliners will be anxious for a win this weekend to secure a play-off spot and they have replaced Mike Pero with American Kenny McFarland.

McFarland is no stranger to the Irish SuperLeague, having played with Tolka Rovers, MDS Star and the Tigers in the past.

Coach Boylan will be hoping he can assist them in reverting back to the early-season winning ways.

First on Friday, though, Merry Monk Ballina will travel to the capital to take on Shamrock Rovers HOOPS at 8pm.

This game was originally scheduled for Sunday but has been brought forward. The HOOPS, and in particular U19 star Ciarán White, are paying a heavy price for their success in the Junior Cup.

White is still suffering from his groin injury and is unavailable for selection and will again be badly missed in the battle under the boards.

Better news for the HOOPS is the return of inspirational captain Joey Haastrup. He was a big loss in the defeat to Limerick last weekend and will be tested again this weekend as he tries to cope with Ballina point guard Patrick Pope.

Ballina will be eager for two wins this weekend in an effort to remain on top of the North Conference table.

They are still without Liam McHale through injury.

Also on Saturday, Limerick Lions meet their Demons again. UCC will travel to Limerick for this crucial top-of-the-table Superleague clash, clinging to a one-game lead over the Shannonsiders.

With Demons at 10-2 and the Lions at 10-3, a Demons victory would give them a potential tie-breaker advantage come play-off time, having already defeated their counterparts 100-84 in late December.

Lions’ new signing Quincy Moman (replacing the injured Jon Steven) impressed on his debut at Shamrock Hoops last weekend (37 points), and will have a major influence on this game.

Demons bench continues to shine, and contributed 43 points to last week’s drubbing of St. Vincent’s.

"The local players have influenced many outcomes this season, and really balance our efforts," said head coach Pat Price.

Limerick will want to put their Cup defeat behind them and the backlash from this defeat may spur on the Lions.

However, the men from Cork will be tough to overcome as they are firmly focused on retaining their NIVEA for Men Superleague title.

UCD face a tough three days as they also come up against MDS Star on Saturday at 7.10pm.

Scott Summersgill is doubtful for this game as he has the flu. All others are available apart from the long-time injured McMurrin.

Last night, Gleneagle Lakers overcame Neptune in what was a brilliant exhibition of three-point shooting by Tim Sullivan (26 points).

Lakers trailed for the entire first half but an inspired second half helped them turn it around and beat the home side 91-99 at the finish.

Lakers have had a stream of recent good form, having won their last four consecutive games, including big victories over Cup Champions UCC Demons away, and Limerick Lions and Abrakebabra Tigers at home.

Gleneagle now lie in third place in the South Conference, close behind UCC Demons and Limerick Lions.

In the Women’s SuperLeague, DART Killester will head into their crucial weekend clash against table toppers Carna Transport Mercy suffering some serious injury worries.

American star Sue Altman picked up a nasty knee sprain on Saturday last against Peugeot Meteors.

She is returning home for treatment and hopes to return for the play-offs. Fiona Carrick went over on her ankle in training on Tuesday and will be out for at least four weeks.

Some good news is that long-time injured Emer Brophy trained last night and it looks like she will be fit for Saturday.

Bausch and Lomb Wildcats will travel to Killarney to take on Mustang Sally’s St Paul’s, also on Saturday, at 7.30pm.

This will be a key, but difficult, game for the home side as they currently lie in sixth place.

They will want to hold onto that spot or secure a more comfortable position for a play-off spot.

The Wildcats are coming off an impressive win over Cup Champions UL Aughinish last weekend (79-69) and will be full of confidence going into this game.

UL will play host to Vienna Woods Glanmire on Saturday at 5pm. After their defeat by Wildcats last weekend they will be eager for a win this weekend, especially at home.

Glanmire, having had a three-week break, will be no easy task. Although unlucky in the Cup, they have been consistent all season in the league, only loosing out to Meteors in game one.

Bottom-of-the-table Oblate Dynamos will face seventh-placers Peugeot Meteors in a local derby on Saturday at 8.30pm.

Both teams will need to improve their performance if they are to have any hope of qualifying.

Meteors are still without Sinead Harvey through injury.