Basketball: It gets serious in the coming weeks. That is why the Tralee Tigers and Ballina could do without the National Football League denying them key players as the jostling for play-off places becomes more intense.
With Michael Quirke and Kieran Donaghy putting in the hard football yards with Kerry, the Tigers let UCC Demons close the southern conference leaders gap.
Limerick produced a surprise, 94-81 victory over Tralee despite a 63-point contribution from Americans Wilder Auguste and Dave Fanning. The imports can only do so much.
The Demons brought themselves level with the Tigers after thrashing Neptune, 109-61, in the Cork derby.
Despite Ronan McGarrity being on duty with Mayo, Ballina did manage to get over Shamrock Rovers Hoops 109-100. Liam McHale made a welcome return to the Superleague with a notable influence under the boards.
Killester remain top of the northern conference after beating UCD Marian 102-72.
Elsewhere, Belfast Star edged St Vincent's by a point in what may prove the defining game in the season for both clubs.
Kenny Gamble registered the highest return of the weekend, 43, but it wasn't enough. The defending champions are now perilously close to missing out the on play-offs.
They are level on points with Belfast, a single point adrift of Ballina who lie in the crucial third qualifying berth.
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