BASKETBALL:League action takes a break this weekend because of the first round of the Superleague Cup.

Belfast Star will be looking to repeat their surprise league win over Killester when the sides meet in Jordanstown, while the University of Ulster travel to Tralee to play southern conference pace-setters the Tigers.

Neptune welcome DCU Saints, while St Paul's play a Ballina side seeking a return to winning ways after defeat to Tigers last week.

DCU Saints have lost their last two league encounters, but coach Joey Boylan knows progress in the cup will put their season back on track.

"We just have to pick ourselves up and put the loss to Dart Killester behind us," said Boylan. "It was a terrible performance last weekend, but we just have to concentrate on the game we are playing this weekend."

The Saints must plan without James Donnelly whose season is in jeopardy after sustaining an ankle injury. Neptune will be without Gary Walsh, who is also ruled out with an ankle injury.

"It's a very tough draw to start off with but we are at home and should be looking to take advantage of playing in front of our own support," said coach Dan Mobbs.

Ballina await news on footballer Ronan McGarrity's availability for Sunday's journey south, but coach Ted Kennedy has paid tribute to the instant impact made by the arrival of Superleague veteran Jermaine Tuner.

"Jermaine is a proven player in this league. We were very sad to see Jimmy Boston leave, but we are delighted to get a replacement like Jermaine."

In the Women's Superleague, Montenotte make their second trip to Dublin in a week to face Killester.

SATURDAY - Men's Superleague Cup:Belfast Star v Killester, UU Jordanstown, 7.15, Neptune v DCU Saints, Neptune Stadium, 8.0, Tralee Tigers v University Ulster, Tralee Sports Complex, 8.0. Women's Superleague: Killester v Montenotte, Cork, IWA Clontarf, 6.0; Tolka Rovers v Waterford Wildcats, Tolka Rovers Complex, 7.30.

SUNDAY - Men's Superleague Cup:St Paul's v Ballina, Presentation Gym, 2.30.