UCC Demons remain on course for an eighth InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup title, after inflicting a first defeat of the season on Belfast Star, winning out 105-96 to reach this year's semi-finals.
Demons’ superb pedigree in the cup shone through again on Sunday, as they brought an end to Belfast Star’s nine game unbeaten run this season, winning 105-96 when they met in the quarter-finals in Mardyke Arena.
Tamyrik Fields turned in a monster performance for Belfast, but even his 42 points and the 28 that De’Ondre Jackson chalked up, could not see the visitors beyond this test, as Demons saw five players hit double figures, including Da’kquan Davis, D’Andre Johnson and Tala Fam Thiam, who combined for 67.
Energywise Ireland Neptune produced 11 stops in a row down the stretch to gain the edge and dig out a nail-biting 85-83 victory over Pyrobel Killester in their quarter-final encounter in Neptune Stadium.
Ulster University saw their bid for further cup success come undone, when they suffered a narrow 95-89 loss to Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU in Jordanstown Sports Village.
Shawndale Jones Junior registered an impressive 30-point tally for last season’s Super League champions, while Nikola Roso and Andre Nation each contributed 19, as their side prevailed against a gritty Ulster team, for whom Jordan Jackson (26 points) and Jalen Hodge (25) were the most prolific.
The 2022 Cup winners, Garvey’s Tralee Warriors were also made scrap tooth and nail for their semi-final berth, as they edged Bright St. Vincent’s 87-84 in Tralee Sports Complex.
In the only InsureMyVan.ie Super League fixture of the weekend, Griffith College Éanna secured a 105-85 road win against EJ Sligo All-Stars on Saturday.
InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup quarter-finals
Ulster University 89 - 95 Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 87 - 84 Bright St. Vincent’s
Energywise Ireland Neptune 85 - 83 Pyrobel Killester
UCC Demons 105 - 96 Belfast Star
InsureMyVan.ie Super League
EJ Sligo All-Stars 85-105 Griffith College Éanna
