UCC Demons see off Tralee Warriors in epic battle

Demons will play Killester in the decider on April 14 at the National Basketball Arena.

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025 - 22:49

John Coughlan

Elijah Tillman was the toast of UCC Demons as his basket and bonus ensured his team will play Killester in the Men’s Super League final following an epic win over Tralee Warriors at the Mardyke Arena on Thursday.

In probably the best game of the season in Irish basketball Demons just about shaded it much to the delight of their delirious supporters.

The winners had top performances from Patrick Robinson (30), James Hannigan (20), Toby Christensen (20) but it was the Tillman influence that got his side over the line in this breathtaking game.

James Hannigan only took 15 seconds to open with a stunning three pointer only for Brandon Mahan to level proceedings on the Warriors next possession.

The game really opened up with both teams executing baskets at will in the opening three minutes and when Brandon Mahan drained a basket and bonus it gave Demons a 10-6 lead.

The tempo of the game was incredible and the Warriors kept the pressure on Demons to lead by the minimum 15-14 midway through the quarter.

There is little doubt the tension was at fever pitch with both sides going for the jugular, but Demons dropped their guard and in the space of two minutes the Warriors surged into a 30-23 lead.

Demons coach Danny O’Mahony was forced to call a time out with 1.06 remaining but on the restart an immediate turnover saw Daniel Jokubaitis add a lay-up that increased the Warriors lead to nine points.

Luckily Demons battled back and reduced the deficit to six points courtesy of two Dave Lehane free throws but at the buzzer the Warriors were punished with a technical foul.

On the restart Lehane nailed one free throw and when Tillman added another two the lead was down to three points 32-29.

For some strange reason the Warriors were racking up the fouls that allowed Demons back in the mix with James Hannigan (14) on fire for them.

Hard to believe Demons only trailed 42-40 midway through the quarter as only James Hannigan was showing any sort of form in the offence court.

Suddenly Demons led by Robinson registered five unanswered points that gave them a three- point lead as both sides were now making errors.

In the closing minute Demons got their noses ahead again following a Scott Hannigan three pointer and with 41 seconds remaining to the interval the visitors called a time out trailing 52-48.

Both sides managed a basket each but an interesting second half looked on the cards with Demons having a 54-50 lead.

On the restart the Warriors opened up with consecutive baskets following sloppy Demons turnovers.

Midway through the quarter Demons trailed 64-63 but Warriors Marquavian Stephens showed two lovely touches and suddenly his team had a six points lead with four minutes remaining in the quarter.

Demons looked flat and in trouble entering the closing minutes of this period as consecutive Rapolas Buivydas three pointers gave his side an 11- point lead.

In fairness Demons found another lease of life when they were on the ropes and a buzzer beating lay up from Kyle Hosford reduced the deficit to three points 79-76 entering the final quarter.

A James Hannigan basket reduced the lead to the minimum on the restart as the game remained in the balance with neither side shown any signs of relenting.

Into the closing minute Mahan nailed a lay-up and suddenly the Warriors had a one- point lead 101-100 with a Demons time out called.

In the end Tillman showed why the Demons faithful love him with his basket and bonus that ensured his team will play Killester in the decider on April 14 at the National Basketball Arena.

Scorers for Demons: P Robinson 30, T Christensen 20, J Hannigan 20, K Hosford 12, E Tillman 11.

Scorers for Warriors: M Stephens 24, R Buiyvdas 23, B Mahan 21.