BFG Neptune will look to pull off an upset when they face C&S UCC Demons in a Cork derby tonight in the Basketball Ireland Men’s Premier League.
Neptune have fallen out of contention after a run of three straight league defeats and the return of forward Nigel Byam to the United States. Demons have lost just once at the Mardyke Arena under Colin O’Reilly.
“It is his attention to detail and work ethic in training and games that has every other player raising their standard and pushing each other for minutes on a weekly basis,” said assistant coach Troy O’Mahony of O’Reilly.
“Each week we have different players stepping up.”
Neptune are now setting their sights on a top four finish and the end of season Champions’ Trophy according to player and coach Ger Noonan.
Noonan said: “Every team needs a goal and for us it’s silverware. We’re Neptune so we’re always going to be competitive.”
The Cork men are back on court on Saturday to face Dublin Inter at Neptune Stadium.
DCU will look to end their worst run of results since 2013 when they host Templeogue on Saturday before the action switches to the National Basketball Arena for the last double header of the season on Sunday.
Travelodge Swords Thunder take on UL Eagles at 2pm followed by UCD Marian against Killester.
Marian are seeking their first win of the season at the Arena, having lost by a single basket to both Killester and Swords. Both Arena games will be streamed live on the TG4 website.
DCU Mercy can firm up their place in the top four of the Women’s Premier League with a win at fifth place Maxol WIT Wildcats on Saturday.
Mercy won the corresponding fixture in Dublin back in October thanks to 25 points from Sarah Woods. Woods says their new-look side have gelled quickly.
“It’s a breath of fresh air to be training with such a young team. The average age in the squad is around 21 and I’d be the oldest at 26. We really are a team of best friends now,” commented Woods.
Team Montenotte Hotel will return to the top of the table regardless of their result against UL Huskies. One point for a defeat will see them go level on points with Courtyard Liffey Celtics but they’ll lead on a head-to- head record.
Killester could move out of the relegation zone with a win over Meteors. Meteors are just two points ahead of their Dublin rivals at the bottom of the table and are without a win since October.
