Donaghy steps into the breach

Basketball: UCC Demons lost their unbeaten record to the team that should be their main rivals. The Tralee Tigers have struggled to find form this season, but after putting American guard Eric Bush out to pasture last week they turned the first corner.

Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy stepped into the void to produce a performance fitting of any American, Serbian or Australian that currently earns his crust in the Superleague.

Just look at his vital statistics: 23 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, six steals and two blocks.

It was Donaghy's three-point shooting in the third quarter that ultimately swung the tie in Tralee's favour.

Another to contribute to the victory was Michael Quirke, who came into the game late before snagging six crucial rebounds.

Luke Egan can also take a bow after shooting 12 from 12 from the free-throw line.

This was a golden opportunity for Limerick to make inroads at the top of the Southern Conference, but they faltered at home against the allegedly struggling Killarney Lakers, 99 to 82.

Elsewhere, Killester beat Ballina, Star swept past UCD 101 to 94 and St Vincent's overpowered Shamrock Rovers Hoops 86 to 63.

One shining light for Rovers was under-19 Ciarán White, who finished with 20 points and 26 rebounds.

In the woman's Superleague, Michele Aspell shot a mesmerising 43 points as UL/Aughinish reminded all and sundry what they are capable of by dismantling Drimnagh 93 to 73.

Killester were beaten for a second time this season by the Waterford Wildcats, this time at home, with their star American, Sue Altman, finishing with 23 points, although this can be attributed to foul trouble.

Glanmire go into the Christmas break with seven straight wins and remain top of the pile after overcoming Meteors 98 to 32 thanks in significant part to the 19 points from American Karen Habrukowich.

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