Threat by Demons

Most of the attention was directed south this weekend, and whether or not the Demons could handle the challenge of Tralee. And although it was close, the 80-73 win confirms the threat of the Cork club as league contenders

It was only the second league defeat for Tralee, though few games will be more hotly contested. The opening quarters were basket for basket, with Tralee enjoying a three-point lead at half time as the Demons' defence clearly let them down.

The third quarter then saw the Demons accelerate and finally get in front. Their Irish contingent led the way, as Michael Carlos, Brian Clernon and Shane Coughlan proved good enough to match any of the Americans, and the club now take over as joint leaders.

Cork rivals Neptune didn't fare as well, as Limerick pulled out a 109-100 victory. The Cork side led for more that three-quarters of the game before Limerick turned up the pressure.

In-form Sligo travelled to Tyrone without the influential Greg Burston and their second American Mario Woodson. This was a game the home side could and should have won but poor rebounding was their undoing in the 80-74 loss, with Shane O'Meara, Chadd Holmes and Mal Daly leading the way for Sligo.

Some fine shooting from Seco Camera and Anthony Jenkins helped Notre Dame to a 88-81 win over UCD Marian at the National Arena on Saturday, with Camera firing five first-half three-pointers and Jenkins adding five in the second.

But UCD Marian bounced back yesterday to keep their share of the league leadership. Tyrone were the victims here, suffering a 107-89 defeat as Hamp Jones built up a 42-point contribution for the Dubliners.

Unfortunate circumstances surrounded Killester's second successive win this weekend. Their 83-78 victory over Star of the Sea in Belfast was marred by an injury to Star's Gerard Ryan, who was taken to hospital. Killester outscored Star 13-8 in overtime to take the points.