BASKETBALL:UCC DEMONS will meet UL Eagles in the final of the Men's SuperLeague National Cup following a hugely impressive 84-66 victory over bitter rivals Bord Gáis Neptune in front of a sold out Neptune Stadium on Sunday.
Neptune were determined to gain revenge for a defeat to Demons at Christmas, but it was Paul Kelleher’s side that came through again, thanks to a superb all-round team performance.
Kelleher was delighted with what was a hugely focused and determined effort on the part of his players. “We knew Neptune would be up for this. We knew they would come out blazing at us and they did. We had to stick with them, but the guys have been practising a lot and have been really focused on the job. It was a great performance considering the pressure we were under. We’re delighted to be in the final but we know it’s going to be a very tough game against UL,” he said.
Neptune came flying out of the blocks in this one, Ger Noonan and Ron Thomson attempting to take the game to Demons in the opening stages. Demons responded, Shawn Atupem and Shane Coughlan keeping them in contention, with the first quarter finishing 26-25 to Neptune.
The beginning of the second quarter saw Demons in the ascendency, Carlton Cuff and Shane Coughlan helping Kelleher’s side to fashion a nine point lead. Neptune managed to rediscover their composure at the end of the quarter, and managed to get to within four at half time at 45-41.
Demons managed to gather momentum in the latter stages of the quarter, and a huge three pointer from Shane Coughlan saw Demons take a 13-point advantage into the final quarter.
In the other semi final, UL Eagles came through an absorbing encounter against 11890 Killester 75-73 after overtime. UL coach Mark Keenan was visibly moved at the final whistle.
“We had a sixth man on the bench there talking to our defence – all the guys contributed – I’m ecstatic. I know it is only a semi final but UL have struggled against Killester in the big games over the years. I’m just so delighted,” said Keenan.
In the women’s semi-final, DCU Mercy continue their quest to make it three cups in succession after ruthlessly disposing with the challenge of 11890 Killester, 68-30 the final score. DCU coach Mark Ingle stated “We have been trying to improve; to get a peak for the end of January. People have been saying that we haven’t been playing well and they were right. But we have a chance now to make it three in a row and hopefully we can do it . . .”
The UL women’s team made it a weekend to remember for the Shannonsiders after James Weldon’s side overcame the challenge of Team Montenotte Hotel Cork 71-59 after a hugely entertaining encounter. UL are now through to the final for the first time since 2006.
