Price delivers on both ends as Demons take bragging rights with win over Ballincollig

The defending produced by Asanti Price over the hour was off the charts as he nullified the scoring threat of Ballincollig's free-scoring American A J Williams to a mere five points.

UCC Demons' Asanti Price shoots for a basket as Adrian O’Sullivan of Ballincollig closes in. Pic: Noel Sweeney

UCC Demons won the bragging rights in the Cork derby with an impressive 84-74 win against Super League and Cup champions Ballincollig with American Asanti Price finishing with a 22-point tally.

The defending produced by Price over the hour was off the charts as he nullified the scoring threat of Ballincollig's free-scoring American A J Williams to a mere five points.

It was also announced immediately after the game that Demons coach Stuart Rodgers was stepping down from the role with his replacement to be named in the coming days.

Credit to Demons, after a slow start, they played their best basketball in the second half outscoring their opponents 25-17 in the third that tied the game at 60 points each entering the crucial fourth quarter.

Demons increased the tempo and helped by the shooting of James Hannigan they managed to get a nine-point lead in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.

Coming down the stretch, Ballincollig continued to battle but Demons were not for catching on this occasion.

Energywise Ireland Neptune continued with their progress when defeating Killester 90-84 at the National Basketball Arena.

In a game that was tight from start to finish a powerful fourth quarter from Neptune sealed this impressive win.

The Neptune professional trio of Sam Smith (26), Jalen Hodge (20) and Kendall Taylor (18) combined for 64 points of their tally as they can now get ready for next weekend’s home national cup clash with Belfast Star.

UCD Marian got back to their best form when disposing of Limerick Eagles 90-77 at Belfield.

The Dublin side laid the foundation for their win with solid second and fourth quarters that stunned the Eagles into submission.

In a high scoring third quarter UCD Marian outscored their opponents 32-23 to lead by the minimum entering the final period.

Coming down the stretch UCD Marian found their mojo and inspired by Americans Isiah Taylor and Tanner Graham they executed key baskets to gain the all-important win.

Next up for UCD Marian is a trip to Cork on Saturday for a cup clash with Ballincollig.

Limerick Celtics made the trip to Tralee Warriors and came away with a 88-69 win with Irish players Philip Kearney (21) and Finn Hughes (14) leading their scoring.

The shannonsiders were dominant from tip off and surged into a 16- point interval lead but with the Warriors leading American player Jaden Daughtry only contributing five points they were always chasing the game.

Belfast Star came a cropper at home going down to Sligo All Stars 99-93 in a thrilling game at Newforge Sports Centre where the westerners Ibbe Lintman led their scoring with a 25- point tally.

St Vincent’s remain winless following their home loss to Eanna 89-82.

In the Women’s Super League, the battle of the top two sides saw Utilty Trust St Paul’s Killarney defeat Waterford Wildcats 79-69.

The Killarney side laud the foundation for their win with a riveting opening half that saw them command an 18- point interval lead.

Wildcats battled to the wire but once again the scoring of St Paul’s professionals Angelina Robles (29), Maisie Burnham (26) and Paula Reus (12) ensured their unbeaten record remained intact.

Gurranbraher Credit Union Brunell suffered another loss this time going down to the champions Trinity Meteors 87-72 as a third quarter meltdown saw them outscored 27-6 came back to haunt them.

Cavan Eagles are also going great guns with only one defeat and they maintained their solid start to the campaign with a hard earned 57-54 win over Killester.

Career Decisions UCC Glanmire secured a welcome home win when disposing of Limerick Celtics 85-81.