Conor Meany: Neptune overpower Demons in derby clash

Samuel Henderson, Neptune is off balance in this clash with UCC Demons Daryl Cuff during their Domino's Super League match at Neptune Stadium, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

Neptune get huge derby win 

Neptune showed amazing heart on Saturday as they easily beat Demons in Neptune Stadium. Neptune don’t have a lot of depth, but they owned that on Friday, shortening their rotation and playing five players for the majority of the game. Those five responded with Greg Adon and Sam Henderson in particular making the difference. 

Henderson’s addition adds a threat that makes Neptune much harder to guard. As much as the pros did their job Eli Lenihan gave a spark late on that helped Neptune push the game out in the fourth. The only criticism of Neptune in the game was their defensive rebounding; they gave up 15 offensive rebounds and if they had minded their own boards more effectively this would never have been close.

Demons’ disaster 

In so many ways it was a disastrous derby for Demons. They are now alone on the bottom of the table and things don’t look good. They played flat in the first half and then late on after a short rally they gave up, which could be important at the end of the season as Neptune now hold the points head-to-head after two games between the teams. 

Demons need to be the aggressors in games, and they were far from that sitting in their zone for much of the game as Henderson and Adon got far too comfortable. What will worry Demons fans the most is that the new signings don’t fix natural problems easily. Kyle Hosford is playing limited minutes and there’s no other natural point guard on the team. 

Fields and Washington are individually capable but whether they can unlock anything for those around them will be the big question. From the outside Washington’s body language seemed questionable at best as he cut a frustrated figure. Demons need this loss to be a catalyst for change. They are running out of games and time and need a change in energy fast.

Liffey get big win 

Liffey Celtics had the ideal prep for the cup semi finals as they beat league leaders Killester 86-74. Liffey were excellent, hitting 12 threes against a Killester team who struggled from beyond the arc hitting only 5/24. A big reason for that was the absence of Sam Haiby their MVP. Without Haiby, Killester looked much closer to the chasing pack, which highlights just how good the American is.

Brunell stun Glanmire 

Glanmire’s good recent form was ended dramatically by Brunell, in a 97-72 demolition. Brunell were excellent throughout, with their two Americans both delivering with 28 each. Typically, it has been Glanmire’s Americans who dominate games, so this was a welcome change for Brunell. Glanmire, will have to dust themselves off for their cup semi final with Killester next week, knowing they will have to raise their intensity significantly.

St Pauls outlast Wildcats in Overtime 

Wildcats were delighted to have Sarah Hickey back healthy and at her best, but it was St Pauls who did enough to win 95-93 in Killarney. Hickey suffered a bad knock a couple of weeks ago, so to see her score 28 was great for Waterford. Wildcats still need a run of games with their whole team together, if they do that, they have a chance to beat any team in the country. 

St Pauls did enough for this weekend though, as they won the game in overtime, despite almost throwing it away late on. Having three players score over 20 is almost always going to win in the Super League and that depth of scoring proved critical for the Kerry side who head into the new year just one game off top spot.

Ballincollig win cup dress rehearsal 81-75 

Ballincollig got a good test from Limerick Celtics ahead of the two teams facing off next weekend in the Cup. Ballincollig will be delighted to continue their winning streak this year; while knowing they have to be better again over the next three weeks to get their first ever cup title. 

Latrell Jossell has been great this year, but on Sunday he struggled with 13 points, shooting 2/10 from three. The guard is able to influence the game in so many ways that the three-point line can’t be his only weapon.

For Limerick, it’s another hard-fought league loss, but there were plenty of signs there that they can compete next weekend in the cup. 12 points in the fourth wasn’t good enough, and they’ll have to do better on Friday.

Eanna get important win over UCD Marian

 

Eanna got revenge for an early season loss to UCD Marian and have moved alone into third spot thanks to a home 90-81 win. Even without Sean Jenkins, Eanna had six players score in double figures which illustrates their depth of talent. UCD will be concerned about how one dimensional they were particularly in the fourth quarter as they relied too heavily on Bruce Saintilus to create everything. 

Zach Hinton has scored 18 against Tralee already this season, and for UCD to make a cup final he’ll need to be close to that level again. Marian were also without Croatian Mihael Linde, and with Tanner Graham already hurt they can’t afford him gone too next week.

Sligo in trouble 

Belfast got a good road win in Sligo scoring 115 points, against an All Stars team that just aren’t at the races so far this year. With four wins and eight losses, they are only two games above Demons. They have talent, with Rodney Etyll Rock showing on Sunday why he’s so highly regarded as he scored 36 points. 

But Sligo currently have the worst defense in the league, giving up 94 points a game. If they are to deliver on the talent they have, they need to start playing defense, especially as most teams can outrun them and use their depth to overpower them.