Bord Gais Neptune ended UL Eagles’ perfect start to the season, while Moycullen got their first win at the expense of Ulster Elks.
On Sunday, UCC Demons got their fourth win of the season in dramatic circumstances away to Belfast Star and DCU Saints got off the mark with a superb performance at home to high flying UCD Marian.
Bord Gais Neptune produced the result of the weekend by bringing UL Eagles’ unbeaten run to an end courtesy of an 88-78 success.
Michael Bonaparte is proving to be a revelation for the Cork giants, contributing another massive tally of 31 points, while Ger Noonan and Phil Taylor also stood out in the scoring stakes.
Neptune head coach Pat Price paid tribute to his side for maintaining their composure despite the run of three successive defeats prior to the visit of Eagles.
‘It’s like we have had a mini-season throughout October,’ said Price.
‘We had multiple injuries, player changes and other mishaps that most teams don’t go through in an entire season.
‘I am really proud of how they have bounced back. It would have been so easy for the guys to drop their heads and feel sorry for themselves but they have really rallied back.
‘Bonaparte really got us started offensively and he has proven to be a good addition that gives us versatility,’ added Price.
Moycullen head coach Enda Byrt hailed his side’s third quarter display as they earned their first win of the season courtesy of an 75-65 win over Ulster Elks.
The Westeners kept close tabs on the prolific Kevin Foley with John Fitzgibbon and Stephen Tummon earning the plaudits for restricting the impressive Dubliner.
The sides were separated by a solitary basket at the break but Moycullen dominated the third period with the points scoring of Cian Nihill helping them extend their lead to 12 points.
‘We have lost a lot of games in the third quarters this season but this was definitely our best third of the season and it helped us to our first win,’ said Moycullen Head Coach Enda Byrt. ‘We were conscious of Kevin Foley’s form this season and we did a very good job on him.
‘I was very pleased with our team defence,’ added Byrt. ‘We didn’t foul recklessly and overall we were a lot more disciplined.
‘It was essential to get that first win. They never got despondent but it’s not nice looking at the table and seeing your side without a win.
‘This is a big win. Ulster Elks have quality players like Foley, Barry Drumm and Ben De La Cruz and I consider this a hugely important win.’
UCC Demons’ fine start to the season continued on Sunday with a three pointer on the buzzer from Ciaran O’Sullivan earning the Cork giants a dramatic 83-81 win away to Belfast Star.
Star finally got the chance to showcase their new American Clayton Longmire and he duly obliged with 35 points. Despite trailing by 16 points at the interval, Star fought back and almost claimed their first win but were denied by the brilliance of O’Sullivan.
‘We were doing all the right things in the first half but we were not disciplined and we were almost punished,’ said Demons head coach Paul Kelleher.
‘I am extremely pleased with the character though,’ he added.
‘For a 19-year-old [Ciaran O’Sullivan] to grab a pass from Niall O’Reilly and make a three with a second and half remaining is incredible. I can’t give the team enough credit for their never say die attitude.
‘Belfast are going to start winning games. Clayton (Longmire) is a fantastic American and Star look a different team with him on the court.’
DCU Saints finally got the win their efforts in recent weeks have deserved after a 92-75 win over high flying UCD Marian.
The Saints appeared in complete control until a Barry Glover inspired UCD responded in the third quarter to help reduce the arrears. However, the Saints with Eoin Quill, Emmet Donnelly and Pat Glover all impressing, held their nerve to claim their first three points of the season.
‘It was an excellent performance,’ said Saints head coach Vinny O’Keefe. ‘We got off to a great start but this performance has been in us and I’m glad to have finally got that first win under our belts.
‘UCD made a great fight back in the third quarter but we managed to hold on,’ he added.
‘We needed this, it should give us a great confidence boost and hopefully give us something to build on.’
Women's basketball
Meanwhile, in the IrishSport.TV Women’s SuperLeague Team Montenotte Hotel Cork maintained their winning start at home to Black Forge Oblate Dynamos, while Waterford Wildcats proved too strong for 11890 Killester.
On Sunday, DCU Mercy opened their campaign with victory away to Meteors.
Reigning IrishSport.TV Women’s SuperLeague champions Team Montenotte Hotel Cork maintained their winning start to the season courtesy of a comfortable 80-56 win over Black Forge Oblate Dynamos.
‘In fairness to Drimnagh, they were very physical and work extremely hard,’ said Montenotte Head Coach Mark Scannell. ‘We were comfortable and I was very pleased with 80 points.
‘Denise is back which is a god sign and we had some strong scoring from the likes of Claire Rockall, Marie Breen and Grainne Dwyer. It’s another step and great to get the season up and running with two wins.’
DCU Mercy enjoyed victory in their first game of the season, winning 61-34 away to Dublin rivals Meteors.
‘In my mind, Vicky Ronning was our best player,’ said DCU head coach Mark Ingle.
‘She was great on defence and created steals and assists. I think when she came into the game with [teammate Becky] Woods that they changed the game.’
Waterford Wildcats celebrated their first victory of the season by beating 11890 Killester in their home opener, 53-45.
The Waterford side held a one-point advantage at half time but were able to regroup and increase their intensity on the defensive end.
Irish International Christine O’Gorman contributed 15 points in the contest and was supported by an 11 point donation by teammate Jenny Kelly.
