BASKETBALL:THE REIGNING National Cup champions DART Killester's hopes of retaining their trophy are still alive but only after a tentative 73-67 win over Neptune in the semi-finals at the National Arena yesterday.

It was far from convincing but head coach Mark Keenan was relieved. "It was a disappointing result but we got the result and we have two weeks to put it right," he said.

In a low-scoring contest, John Behan top scored for DART with 15 points, while Ger Noonan chipped in with 22 points.

UCC Demons booked their passage into the final, overcoming Tralee Tigers 77-57 with a superb final-quarter display. "I'm very pleased with our efforts," said head coach Douglas Leichner. "I thought the Tigers played very well . . . but I thought we got good contributions off the bench and in time I think we wore them down."

Unanswered scores from Demons' Carlton Cuff, Ryne Hamblet and three consecutive baskets from Colin O'Reilly, who top scored with 22 points, saw the Cork side triumph.

The Women's Superleague National Cup semi-final's provided one of the most enthralling clashes ever to be held at the National Basketball Arena as Team Montenotte Hotel Cork secured a 78-77 double overtime win over DCU Mercy.

Montenotte will face Waterford Wildcats in the final after Tony Hehir's side booked their place with a 69-56 win over Tolka Rovers. Irish international Niamh Dwyer was the hero for Team Montenotte Hotel Cork as her three pointer in the dying seconds of double overtime ensured a dramatic win.

Jill Martin thought she had handed Mercy victory in the closing stages of normal time but Jennifer Strong hit a superb three to send the game into overtime.

The game failed to be settled after the first period of overtime before Dwyer had the final say with the all important three pointer.

Meanwhile, Waterford Wildcats had Melanie Thomas to thank as she inspired her side to a 69-56 win over Tolka Rovers with a hugely-impressive 35-point tally.