Weekend Irish Basketball review

UCC Demons captured Cork bragging rights as they edged out Neptune in a thriller overtime victory Saturday night in the Mardyke Arena.

Elsewhere, Killester eased past Ulster Elks and both Belfast Star and DCU Saints notched up victories in their home courts.

The Maradyke Arena came alive Friday night with the meeting of two Cork giants in a that maintained UCC Demons' unbeaten record.

Neptune standout player Ger Noonan drained the game-tying shot to send the game into over time but his side could not convert in the final ticking seconds.

Demon's player Jermaine Johnson scored 28 points but Head Coach Luke D'Alessio believed it was an all-around contribution

'We had size guys who scored in double figures' said D'Alessio.

'With figures like that, it show how each guy is stepping up to play.

'Having everyone contribute is definitely part of our game plan. I want five or six guys each scoring double figures every game - not just two main players. Having everyone contribute will make us harder to guard.'

With a packed gym, the Mardyke Arena was forced to find extra seating to accommodate everyone that wanted to watch the game.

'Neptune's Head Coach Pat Price received a warm welcome back to his old stomping grounds.

'You wish you could re-create that type of excitement every game you play,' added Price.

'Ger Noonan in particular was outstanding as was Gary Walsh. Each game we have tried to improve and this game was no different. Each time we talk about how to do things better and move forward'.

Neptune's American, Juwann James, was impressive as he connected for 44 points down the stretch as well as Gary Walsh who converted 19 points as he helped send the game into overtime.

'Both Juwann and Gary were tremendous', added Price, 'Juwann did so much of the scoring but he wasn't dominant and Garry was the reason we were able to make the comeback in over time.'

'They are a tremendous group of guys and I am still very happy with the game'.

Meanwhile the derby winners, UCC Demons, knew that they were a part of history that night.

'It was such an exciting game and I believe it illustrated what Irish basketball is all about,' added Head Coach Luke D'Alessio.

'Everyone knew this game was going to be important as Neptune is our biggest rival. I definitely believe that fans got their money's worth'.

Meanwhile, in the capital, Killester defeated Ulster Elks by a comfortable 11 point victory but Killester head coach Mark Keenan hopes his side does not become too complacent.

'It was a close enough game as we only had a ten point lead at half time', stated Keenan.

'We had several opportunities to extend the lead but we just let it slip and let Elks back in the game.'

Despite a valiant effort from Elks newcomers, Kevin Foley and Paul Cummins who combined for 50 points, the Elks return to the North without a win and will face the undefeated UCC Demons next weekend.

For the Dublin side, Killester had six players scoring in double figures but Coach Keenan believed it was Paddy Kelly who was the difference.

'He [Paddy Kelly] just took the game by the scruff of the neck when we were struggling. He refused to give up and made the big plays on both sides of the floor,' added Keenan.

'I am happy to have won but we have to stay focused on ourselves and not get complacent. We have enough experience so we should not struggle.'

On Sunday, Moycullen travelled to Belfast Star looking for a much needed victory and DCU Saints were hoping to make it two in a row at the expense of Hoops.

Hoops were hoping to seize a victory from DCU but the Saints proved too strong for the South side team as they tallied up the final score line 79-64 .

DCU lead by as much as 25 points by half-time but Hoops managed to bring the game back to within 10 points by the third quarter. DCU head coach Vinnie O'Keefe contributed this lapse with a mental let down.

'It's definitely hard to keep the intensity up for the full 40 minutes of the game', stated O'Keefe.

'We managed to build up a quite a lead - it's hard to stay mentally strong when you are up by that much'.

'I give a lot of credit to Hoops as they did not give up' added O'Keefe.

'But we were able to keep their American quiet in the first half and build up enough of a lead.'

'Keeping the intensity is something we need to work on as a team and I am very happy with this win today'.

Moycullen was looking for its first SuperLeague victory against Belfast Star stand out player Philip Perre drained 42 points as he lead the Northern side past the SuperLeague newcomers. The final score was 82-79.