BASKETBALL:ULSTER ELKS make their first appearance in a National Cup semi-final on Sunday as Cork gets ready to host one of Irish basketball's most important weekends for the second successive season.
The Elks, who have managed to reach the last four for the first time in the club’s five-year history, will have to overturn the form guide if they are to see off UCD Marian and book their place in the National Cup final later this month.
UCD have already recorded three league wins over Elks this season but Kevin Foley, formerly of UCD and now starring for the Elks, believes the Ulster side can finally end that poor record on Sunday.
“It’s my former club and some of my best friends are from UCD but there will be no love lost during the game on Sunday,” said Foley, who is averaging 22 points per game this season. “I know we have lost to them three times already this season but I’m pretty confident that we can stop that trend this weekend. Most of their wins have been at home and we weren’t at our best in those matches so hopefully that won’t be the case when we face them in the cup.
“It’s an opportunity to forget about our league position and try and reach the biggest day in Irish basketball in two weeks time,” added Foley. “I’ve never been to a cup final as a player and I’m desperate to make it there this year.”
Reigning champions 11890 Killester will have to put two recent shock results behind them when they face Southern Conference leaders UL Eagles in the glamour tie of Sunday’s clashes.
Despite bringing a record of 11 consecutive league and cup wins into 2011, the Dubliners started the year with surprise losses to DCU Saints and Belfast Star respectively.
“We were pretty annoyed with ourselves after losing the two games,” said Killester head coach Mark Keenan. “We had a good chat in the dressingroom after the last game. We got some things off our chest, but it was very positive. The important thing for us is to pull together and get back on track.”
In the women’s SuperLeague Cup semi-finals, holders DCU Mercy face capital rivals 11890 Killester, while Team Montenotte Hotel Cork will be favourites to succeed against Waterford Wildcats.
DCU Mercy earned their first cup title in 2010 and now their head coach, Mark Ingle, is desperate for his side to repeat the glory in 2011.
“The cup success last season moved us from being a good club into a big club,” said Ingle. “The cup has spin offs for all sectors of the club, from sponsorship to young people wanting to come and play for you. The TV exposure the cup receives separates it from the league and it would be fantastic if we can make it back-to-back titles this season.”
WEEEKEND FIXTURES
Sunday – National Cup semi-finals – Men’s SuperLeague: Ulster Elks v UCD Marian, 2.30; UL Eagles v 11890 Killester, 4.30. Women’s SuperLeague: DCU Mercy v 11890 Killester, 10:30; Team Montenotte Hotel Cork v Waterford Wildcats, 12.30.
