Current MissQuote.ie Super League table toppers Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell survived a colossal challenge from Catalyst Fr. Mathews to edge an 85-84 win in their enthralling Cork derby.
Shannon Brady and Ariel Johnson proved quite a handful for Brunell under the posts in Saturday's Cork derby in Fr Mathews Arena, mopping up a total of 29 rebounds and 45 points.
But again, the visitors demonstrated the tenacity which has served them well this season, clawing their way back for a victory in which Edel Thornton hit 23 points, including two huge late scores from outside the arc.
Kyaja Victoria Williams accounted for 16 rebounds, while Lauren Homan, Jayla Nacole Johnson and Danielle O’Leary also made significant contributions to their tally.
FloMAX Liffey Celtics continue to snap at the heels of the current table toppers after they weathered a lively test by Ulster University to record an 86-74 victory at Jordanstown Sports Village.
Just as they did last week against University of Galway Mystics, Sorcha Tiernan, Tianna Ayulo and Alexandra Navarette all went heavy on the basket, totalling 71 points to see the Leixlip side home and dry.
Claire Melia dominated under the boards as she soaked up 18 rebounds and hit 26 points, while Jiselle Thomas top scored on 28 to help Pyrobel Killester maintain their own title challenge as they beat Trinity Meteors 94-71 in Coláiste Íosagáin.
Big first and third-quarter runs saw SETU Waterford Wildcats shake off University of Galway Mystics for a 92-65 win in Mercy Gym, with Kate Hickey and Jade Compton each putting up 21 points for the hosts, while Shanai'jah Davison weighed in with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Defending champions, The Address UCC Glanmire managed to keep a gritty DCU Mercy outfit at bay to earn a 74-65 victory in Upper Glanmire Sports Hall, as Amaya West emerged the game’s top scorer on 25 points, while Chelsey Shumpert and Amy Dooley served up a combined 30 points and 20 rebounds.
