National spotlight reflects brightly on domestic scene

As the spotlight falls away from the senior men's team and their first phase of European Championship qualification, the Irish Basketball Association (IBA) are left to enjoy the roll. Times are good, and they could get even better.

Media coverage, attendances and the raw excitement of the two home games against Croatia and Macedonia over the last week were unprecedented. Word is clearly out that Ireland has a basketball team that can compete with the best in Europe.

Most important of all, however, was Wednesday night's win over Macedonia. After the narrow losses to Germany and Croatia, victory was vital to the morale of Bill Dooley's squad.

And it was crucial in keeping their European qualification hopes alive.

Only the top two teams in the five-team group go forward to the 2003 finals in Sweden, but there is also the chance of progressing as the best third-placed team. That, realistically, had always been the target of the Irish.

The road to Sweden continues next January with games against Cyprus (on the 23rd) and then Bosnia (on the 26th), and if both of those go to form then the Irish should have two more victories.

And with that comes the promise of a couple of more big nights at the National Arena in Tallaght. In the meantime, though, the focus is back on the ESB Superleague, where the title-race is also a long way from conclusion.

Only four points separate the top five teams, with Waterford enjoying the minimum of daylight thanks to Wednesday night's hard-fought win away to second-placed Neptune.

Tomorrow, Waterford are at home to Notre Dame, and a win there might finally establish a convincing margin at the top of the table. The Dublin club are having their worst start to the league in a long time, and with just three wins from eight games, their poor form suggests a win for Waterford.

Neptune can get back in the hunt with a win over UCD Marian, who are still mixing it with the leaders despite some inconsistent results. Tralee, who hold on to third, face a testing game against Killester, while fourth-placed Limerick should get past struggling Tyrone.

Elsewhere, the Wildcats can extend their lead at the top of the women's league with a win away to Killester. Tolka Rovers are still breathing down their necks, however, and will be eager to get the points against the University of Limerick.