Killester will be hoping their 98-75 success against Energywise Ireland Neptune in Clontarf on Saturday night will have steadied their ship in Men's Super League.
Defeats in two of their previous three games, including a 14-point midweek reversal at the hands of UCD Marian, saw them drop back to second in the table, but victory in their latest outing has kept them just three points off current table toppers, UCC Demons, and with a game in hand.
While Killester’s Kason Harrell and Neptune’s Tamyrik Fields each carded a huge 35 points, it was the hosts who could call upon that little bit more fire power from other quarters, the likes of Isiah Dasher and Andrew McGeever, who combined for a further 35 points for the Dubliners.
"It was great to get back on the court tonight after UCD completely outplayed us on Wednesday" said Jonny Grennell, Killester head coach.
"Neptune really punished us inside in the first half, but our bench provided the spark to get us the lead and we managed the game well in the second half" he said.
Bright St Vincent’s bolstered their hopes of survival in the top flight following an 96-89 overtime victory at home against Flexachem KCYMS that ended a run of three straight defeats for the Dublin side.
JaRon Thames had a big say in this encounter, putting up a huge 37 points for St. Vincent’s, ten of which were registered in overtime to help his side surmount their Killorglin rivals, for whom Beni Fungula (24), Jeffery Okeke (21) and Jordan Blount (20) all figured strongly on the scoresheet.
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors book-ended an impressive performance against EJ Sligo All-Stars with big first and fourth-quarter surges to secure a 103-70 triumph at MTU Kerry on Saturday evening.
Indeed, they outgunned their opponents by 20 in the opening ten minutes and refused them a way back into contention as they finished up with five players in double digits, among them Marquavian Stephens and Daniel Jokubaitis on a combined 37, while Jevonnie Scott emerged top scorer for Sligo on 21.
Defending Men’s Super League champions, Griffith College Éanna fought back from 14 points down early in the third quarter to dig out an 81-76 victory at home to Belfast Star.
While Belfast had five players in double figures, including De Ondre Jackson on 21, the hosts saw their own Sean Jenkins equal that game-high tally, while Joshua Wilson and Kristijan Andabaka, together, won 19 defensive boards on their way to a total of 24 rebounds.
UCD Marian backed up their mid-week 14-point success against Killester with a hard-fought 106-97 triumph over Maree in UCD Sports Centre.
Lovre Tvrdic was the indisputable stand-out for the hosts, putting up a stunning 48 points that went a long way to denying a Maree outfit that still had five players in double figures, including Joshua McGettigan on 25 points and 14 rebounds.
In Men’s Division One, Limerick Celtics nailed down top spot in the South Conference after they chalked up a 75-63 road win over Scotts Lakers Killarney on Friday night, AJ Williams amassing a huge 40 points to help see his side move to 18 and 0 in the table.
It was a hugely productive weekend for North Conference leaders, ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers as they arrested a run of two straight defeats by dishing out a 107-83 loss to Moy Tolka Rovers in St Mary's Hall on Saturday night before emerging 95-68 winners over Carrick Cruisers at the same venue on Sunday afternoon.
Ulster University moved clear in second place in the North Conference after they picked up a 91-72 road win over Joels Dublin Lions, while Drogheda Wolves fought back down the stretch to edge a 73-69 victory over Carrick Cruisers.
Joshua Reynolds put up 36 points as Tipp Talons recorded a comprehensive 100-63 victory over Titans BC in Scoil Ruain, while Aitor Munoz amassed 34 to help guide Maigh Cuilinn to a 115-95 win over SETU Waterford Vikings in Carrickpherish Hall, despite Aaron Jackson delivering a huge 38 points for the hosts.
Team NorthWest had just two points to spare as they emerged 82-80 winners from a titanic battle with Mater Private Malahide in ATU Donegal, while Limerick Sport Eagles fended off a strong challenge from Killarney Cougars to secure a 94-82 success in UL Arena.
