ST PAUL'S, Killarney pulled off the only real surprise result of the Sprite Cup quarter-final weekend by defeating cup holders Ballina, 102-91 in Kerry on Saturday evening.
Killarney went into the game with late signing Terry Smith deputising for tonsillitis victim Nick Browning and he proved to be an inspired acquisition.
Smith, who played last season for St Paul's, romped his way to 30 points - including no fewer than six dunks - while he marshalled Ballina's Liam McHale to great effect.
Corey Jackson chipped in with a valuable 26 points, but it was Cormac O'Donoghue who claimed the MVP (most valuable player) award. The Irish international not only scored 22 points, he also did a fine marking job on Ballina's American Jason Rubrite, who scored just 12 points.
Killarney led by nine points at half-time and Ballina's attempted comeback was hampered by the fouling out of Deora Marsh just two minutes after the interval.
The Mayo club fought back and drew level with six minutes to go and then went ahead through a Paul McStay three-pointer.
Killarney responded, with O'Donoghue scoring from one free throw and Jackson successfully rebounding the second to claim a lay-up which levelled the match again. Ballina failed to convert their subsequent possession and from the rebound under the Killarney basket, Jackson struck at the other end with a three-pointer. From there on St Paul's were in control.
Also in Kerry, St Vincent's made the brave decision to tackle Division One promotion candidates St Mary's, Castleisland with only one American, Eric Stevens, who in spite of an injured hand scored a superb 38 points in a 95-94 victory for the Dubliners.
For the second time in a week, new Irish squad member Michael Richardson (21 points) had a high-scoring game.
Division One side MSB also succumbed, albeit narrowly, 101-95, to the Superleague leaders Neptune in Clontarf.
The Corkmen were 55-47 ahead at half-time helped by a brilliant first half contribution of 27 points from American Mario Mullen.
Neptune went 15 points ahead six minutes into the second period, and although MSB clawed back much of the deficit they never really looked like getting the better of Tom Wilkinson's side.
Neptune will play Delta in the semi-finals on the last weekend in January while Killarney face St Vincent's.
In the women's cup, all four quarter-finals were won by sizeable margins, with no shocks recorded. The holders Meteors will face Tolka in one semi-final while Naomh Mhuire will meet Division Two leaders Blarney in the other.
