Waterford Crystal are approaching the final hurdle of their first ever Superleague title. A win over Dart Killester this weekend and Waterford will be the 2002 League champions. After their 75-71 victory over Killester in Clontarf two weeks ago, Waterford would be favourites going into the game and require only one more victory in the coming weeks to seal the title. Both Waterford and Killester have full squads ahead of the weekend.
Sx3 Star have a hectic weekend of games ahead, playing Vincent's on Friday night and Gleneagle Lakers twice over the weekend. Star's original home fixture against Killarney was cancelled due to the international game, and they will now play twice in Killarney this weekend. Billy Gilligan has been back in action for the past number of weeks and the Kerry team are back to the form they started the season with. Star have won 3 games in the last week, but their endurance will be put to the test this weekend.
Tralee are on track for runner-up position of the league after a big win over Neptune on Wednesday night. Tralee came back from a 14-point deficit at half time to take a 3-point victory on the buzzer (72-69). Another victory over Marian this weekend and Tralee are likely to push Burger King Limerick into third position. Neptune are struggling with numbers again this weekend, travelling to Sligo without Kieran O'Brien, Adrian Mullins and Darren Geaney. Coach Martin Aherne will have five players.
Limerick have a relatively easy weekend ahead. Tolka Rovers became the first team in the League to be defeated by Tyrone Towers last weekend and without both Americans again this weekend, will be no match for the Cup champions. Lennox McCoy broke his arm during training last week and Chris Doyal has not returned from the US. Tolka are not expected to sign replacements for the weekend.
Esat Business Demons are unlikely to have Mike Beckles back this weekend, but after a superb performance from Robbie Turner last weekend, Coach Pat Price can afford to let his first choice rest. Tim O'Halloran sat out last weekend with an ankle injury but should be fit for the Big Al's clash. Big Al's are displaying their best form of the season at the moment, but may be without Seco Camera this weekend.
Elsewhere the biggest basketball tournament in the country takes place in the University of Ulster, Jordanstown this weekend. The Intervarsity Tournament celebrates its 50th Year this weekend with 24 teams participating in the men's and ladies competition. UCC are favourites in the men's competition while University of Limerick are most likely to take the women's title again this year. Most college teams will field players from the men's and women's Superleague with former Neptune player, Niall O'Reilly and current guard Kieran O'Brien fitting out for UCC.
Also the Irish Cadets and Cadettes (U16) will participate in the Four Countries International Tournament this weekend. The boys travel to Scotland, while the girls are in Wales.
Filed by Johnny Proby
