An 80-75 victory over Esat Business Demons this weekend keeps Frosties Tigers of Tralee hot on the heels of ESB Superleague leaders Waterford Crystal. Although Tigers are four points behind Waterford, they have two games in hand and have yet to lose a match at home this season. With Demons' impressive win over Limerick earlier this week, it was never going to be an easy tie for Tigers but they were in control for most of the game.
They opened up an early lead but Demons fought back in the second quarter and by half-time Tralee's lead was reduced to three points, 37-34. Midway through the third quarter, Demons took the lead for the first time in the match and were up 46-44 with six minutes remaining. However, Tralee's John Teahan brought his team back up and they led 58-56 going into the final period. Once again, it was close between the sides in what was a scrappy final quarter with nine fouls called on Demons in ten minutes. However, Tigers held on, winning more baskets from the free throw line to pick up the valuable two points for an 80-75 victory.
Waterford kept their league challenge on track with a 94-91 win over Gleneagle Lakers in Killarney on Sunday but they were fortunate to leave there with two points as the Lakers were in control and leading for most of the match. They led by 12 points at the end of the first-half, 56-44, and then stretched this to a 17-point lead early in the third quarter. Waterford then produced a rally that reduced the deficit to 10 points but Killarney looked to be cruising to victory, leading 76-66 at the end of the third quarter. However, Waterford fought back and managed to take the lead 91-89 with 39 seconds on the clock but Lakers levelled at 91-91. Extra time seemed inevitable but with one second on the clock Waterford landed a three-pointer to snatch victory.
The dream of double glory slipped further away from Burger King Limerick when they went down 74-70 to Neptune on Saturday. It was Limerick's second defeat this week, both Cork teams delivering the blows.
Meanwhile, the Women's Superleague has reached a climax with Tolka Rovers drawing level with Bausch & Lomb Wildcats at the top of the table after an 82-73 victory over their title rivals this weekend. Both teams have only one match left to decide who will win the 2002 Superleague championship after Wildcats failed to wrap up matters this weekend. Tolka play Glanmire in their final game and should pick up a win, while Wildcats have a tougher clash against University of Limerick.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
