BASKETBALL:UCC DEMONS can look forward to a home semi-final in the Nivea For Men's SuperLeague Play-Offs after securing the Southern Conference following back-to-back wins over Belfast Star.

The two wins and Bord Gáis Neptune’s defeat by DCU Saints ensures Paul Kelleher’s side cannot be caught in their conference ahead of the play-offs.

Yesterday, it took a Shawn Atupem basket with 1.30 left to edge a nervy 85-83 win over Star, a lot closer than the 86-71 margin by which Demons beat the Northeners a day earlier.

Northern Conference winners DCU Saints demolished Neptune 92-58, with the Cork side now likely to have to settle for second place in their conference.

On Saturday, Jason Killeen maintained his good scoring form as UL Eagles emerged from a tricky clash away to UCD Marian on a scoreline of 90-81.

The 6ft 10in Limerick native chipped in with 31 points as Mark Keenan’s charges picked up their second successive win against a side who have already qualified for the quarter-finals of the play-offs by virtue of their third-place finish in the Northern Conference.

Reigning league champions 11890 Killester ensured lightning didn’t strike twice as they overcame Moycullen 83-60.

The Dubliners were shocked by the Westerners in January but there was to be no repeat, with the point scoring of Peder Madsen (17 points) and Jermaine Turner (21) resulting in a third straight victory for Darren O’Neill’s side.

In the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague, UL secured their 31st straight win with an 87-31 demolition of Meteors.

DCU Mercy earned back-to- back wins at the expense of Ulster Rockets (61-36) yesterday, while on Saturday they proved too strong for 11890 Killester (55-33).

Elsewhere, Oblate Dynamos beat Liffey Celtics 47-44, while Singleton’s Super Valu saw off the challenge of Waterford Wildcats 82-79 after overtime.