Conor Meany on basketball: Ireland lacking identity

Liffey Celtics take a major step to the title meanwhile. 

Paul Dick of Ireland in action against Selim Fofana of Switzerland in Tallaght. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Liffey Celtics get decisive 82-69 win over Brunell 

Liffey Celtics took a decisive step in the race for the Women’s Super League title with a critical home win against Brunell. A strong side from the Kildare team looked like they would push away easily but Brunell battled brilliantly to trail by only a single point going into the fourth. In that decisive final period Celtics' Americans combined for 15 and Liffey ultimately pulled away. It was a redeeming game for the sometimes-maligned Tia Ayulo who hasn’t always showed up in the biggest moments this year. Her 23 points, coupled with 25 from Alex Navarette gave Liffey the platform they needed to win the game. Brunell struggled to score down the stretch, once again highlighting the loss of Edel Thornton. Liffey now are tied on three losses with Killester while Brunell move to four losses and it’s hard to see how they can win the title now.