11890 Killester opened the defence of their Nivea For Men's SuperLeague crown with a 107-70 win away to Moycullen on Sunday.
Jermaine Turner carried on from where he left off last season after recording the biggest personal points tally of the weekend with 33 points.
Cian Nihill contributed 21 points but it wasn’t enough to prevent last season’s debutants from defeat.
‘It was a great team performance,’ said 11890 Killester head coach Mark Keenan.
‘We were slow enough to start but soon found our rhythm and we are delighted to get that first win and particularly with it coming away from home.
‘Jermaine is well able to score but today was a real team performance,’ added Keenan.
‘We have a big squad and we must ensure we keep everybody ticking over.
'Michael Hennebry came in and done well today and it shows how competitive the squad is.’
‘We must put talk of retaining trebles to one side and just concentrate on each game, continuing that trend against DCU Saints next weekend.’
Paul Kelleher began his reign as head coach of UCC Demons with a 93-84 success at home to Ulster Elks but the former Irish underage coach will be looking for an improved display in their next outing.
Demons’ commitment to youth this season was rewarded with an excellent display from Ciaran O’Sullivan, who chipped in with 22 points for the hosts, while Kevin Foley top scored for the Elks with 24 points.
‘We were brilliant at times and we are awful at times,’ said Kelleher.
‘Ciaran worked hard pre-season and today was culmination of that work.
‘Getting that first win was the goal but we need to push on now and do a lot better than we did today,’ added Kelleher.
‘Elks played hard with Barry Drumm and Kevin Foley causing us huge problems. The fourth quarter was the key and thankfully we did enough to hold on for the win.’
Neptune outlined their intentions for the season by thumping Belfast Star 105-59 in a one sided contest on Saturday night.
The Cork giants are deservedly ranked among the favourites to challenge for honours this season with their new American Robinson Louisme shining on his competitive debut with 29 points and 10 rebounds.
Star’s hopes were well and truly dashed by half time with the home side holding a 59-32 advantage.
Experienced campaigner Scott Summersgill contributed 15 points for Star, while reliable duo Gary Walsh and Ger Noonan were also busy on the scoring front with 15 and 14 points respectively for the winners.
‘I think we gelled better than I expected for the first game of the season,’ said Neptune head coach Pat Price.
‘They were focused and willing to share the basketball. We are not getting carried away, there are a handful of things to work on but there is also a lot to be optimistic about.
‘I am pleased we defended so well and our American has settled in,’ added Price.
‘Robinson managed 29 points and 10 rebounds despite only having a limited number of minutes on the court.’
UL Eagles’ Scott Kinevane suffered the heartache of losing in the final last season to 11890 Killester but his side’s determination to make amends this season was evident by their gritty 82-72 success away to UCD/Marian.
Limerick’s recent recruits Cameron Mitchell and Carlton Cuff impressed and Irish international Kinevane was pleased with what he saw from the duo.
‘It is a very positive start,’ said Kinevane.
‘It was a tough game to start in a tight gym. In many ways it was a new look UL with our new Head Coach Mark and the likes of Cameron Mitchell and Carlton Cuff coming into the side.
'Cameron had a great start, Cuff is a great addition and the arrival of those two guys is keeping everyone on their toes and if you mess around you will be sitting on the bench.’
UCD’s Barry Glover marked his return from a lengthy absence with a fine performance including a tally of 12 points, while James Crowder’s shooting was another highlight for the Dubliners.
Crowder and Conor Meany led a quick burst of scoring to quickly bring the deficit back to four points in the third quarter.
After the UL time out, Matt Hall again struck with two threes, while UCD Marian’s scoring dried up for a few vital minutes.
Thus, as the game entered the final quarter the lead for UL was again 12 points.
‘UCD got it back to four but the experience of last year stood to us, we didn't panic,’ added Kinevane.
‘We want to go one better this season, our main goal is to reach the final of the cup and make up for losing the final of the league last season.’
