Neptune determined

The ESB Superleague gives way to the Sprite Cup this weekend and the main interest will be on the first round meeting between Denny Notre Dame and Neptune at the National Basketball Arena tomorrow evening.

Cup holders Notre Dame are out to make it four-in-a-row, but Neptune gained an important psychological advantage when they defeated them 78 to 71 in their league clash last Monday. Currently second in the league, Neptune are chasing their first title since 1992 and are sure to make this a close contest.

Esat Telecom Demons, joint leaders of the league, travel to Dublin to meet Hibernian UCD. The Cork side were involved in a thrilling final last year when losing to Notre Dame by a single point and have the strength to go all the way again this season.

Tomorrow's other tie between Waterford Crystal and Kerry Spring Killarney is more difficult to predict. Both teams have yet to win this title, but Killarney will certainly be hoping to improve on last year's surprise first round exit when losing to Tolka Rovers, a side struggling badly in the league at the time.

Queen's Graduates, the only non-Superleague side in the competition, will face Belfast rivals Star of the Sea at the Maysfield Centre on Sunday. Still haunted by the elusiveness of Cup success, Star are sure to make it an uphill struggle for the Division One side.

St Vincent's and Sligo repeat their first round meeting of last year, when the Dubliners emerged comfortable winners, while Tolka Rovers will host Superleague newcomers Clare Jets. The remaining fixture has Dungannon taking on Burger King Limerick, two other teams without any previous titles to their name.

Killester have the benefit of a first round bye.