Stakes raised for leaders Limerick

Basketball ColumnWith just five weeks remaining before the play-off quarter-finals on March 18th, the jockeying for places in the respective Superleague standings continues this weekend.

A late burst by the Killarney Lakers, which included an impressive victory over Neptune last Wednesday, puts them in contention for a top-two finish in the southern conference.

It also raises the stakes for tomorrow's meeting of the Limerick Lions and the UCC Demons.

A rehash of the national cup final takes place in Limerick, with the defeated team remaining just two points clear of Killarney - although the Lions have one, and the Demons two, games in hand on their Kerry rivals.

The arrival of Quincy Moman, for Jon Steven gives Limerick an improved outlook, as the American shot 37 points on his debut against Shamrock Rovers Hoops last week.

Still, UCC can rely on a bench of home-grown talent that contributed 43 points against St Vincent's recently.

"The local players have influenced many outcomes this season, and really balance our efforts," said head coach Pat Price.

Ballina can wrestle control of the northern conference by overcoming Rovers and St Vincent's. They travel to Dublin tonight, but must return to Mayo for the visit of St Vincent's, who have signed Superleague favourite Kenny McFarland in place of Mike Pero.

This is the American's fourth stint in the league, having played for Tolka Rovers, Star of the Sea and the Tralee Tigers.

UCD are seeking a late push for the play-offs by overcoming Star of the Sea. The Belfield students are lying fifth in the table but hold up to three games in hand on those above them. Also tomorrow, Neptune face the Tralee Tigers.

In the women's Superleague, Killester's regular season standings may be hindered by the loss of American Sue Altman, after she suffered a knee sprain against Meteors last Saturday.

Altman, the league's top scorer, has returned home to New Jersey but will return for the play-offs.

Killester play league leaders Mercy tomorrow.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Men's Superleague - Today: Shamrock Rovers Hoops v Ballina, National Arena, 8.0. Tomorrow: UCD v Star of the Sea, Belfield, 7.10; Neptune v Tralee Tigers, Neptune Stadium, 8.0; Ballina v St Vincent's, Ballina SC, 8.0; Limerick Lions v UCC Demons, UL, 7.30. Woman's Superleague - Tomorrow: UL Aughinish v Glanmire, UL, 5.0; Mercy v Killester, Mount Temple, 6.0; St Paul's v Wildcats, Presentation, 7.30; Dynamos v Meteors, Oblate Hall, Inchicore, 8.30.