BASKETBALL: IT MAY only be the fourth round of games in the Nivea For Men's Superleague but this weekend's clash of undefeated UCC Demons with fellow undefeated side UL Eagles could have a huge bearing on where the title resides come March.
The fact that the game is taking place in UL Arena could be enough to swing the advantage to Eagles. However, Demons are a battle-tested side and coach Paul Kelleher will be content to keep the game close and rely on the experience of his veteran players to steal a close win if he can.
Tonight, new entrants to the Superleague, Dublin Inter, try to get their season back on track against Killester. Both sides opened the campaign with excellent wins, but currently possess losing records.
Elsewhere DCU Saints and UCD Marian revive their cross-city rivalry. Marian have been known as a high-scoring squad but under new coach Sasa Punosevac they have begun to establish a formidable defensive reputation. In Saints, they face the best defensive team in the country.
In Galway, Moycullen welcome Bord Gais Neptune, who have been on the wrong side of three straight close games. Neptune can justly feel unfairly reflected in the standings but will find little sympathy from Moycullen.
The Nivea Women’s Superleague sees a full weekend of games, with eight teams in action. UL Basketball Club look to stretch their winning streak to 40 games when they travel to Belfast to face Ulster Rockets while title contenders DCU Mercy, go up against WIT Wildcats of Waterford.
Meanwhile Singleton SuperValu Brunell play Meteors while Liffey Celtics take on Killester.
Fixtures
TODAY
Nivea For Men’s Superleague: Dublin Inter v Killester, National Basketball Arena, 7.45pm.
SATURDAY
Nivea For Men’s Superleague: Moycullen v Bord Gais Neptune, NUI Galway, 3.45pm, DCU Saints v UCD Marian, DCU Complex, 7pm, UL Eagles v UCC Demons, UL Arena, 7.30pm. Nivea Women’s Superleague: Liffey Celtics v Killester, Leixlip Centre, 7.30pm. Men’s Senior National Cup: Neptune v Ulster Elks, Neptune Stadium, 5.15pm. U-20 Men’s National Cup: Kubs v UCC Demons, Carrolls Arena, 7.30pm, St Brendan’s v Maree, Mercy Mounthawk, 7.30pm.
SUNDAY
Nivea Women’s Superleague: Singleton SuperValu Brunell v Meteors, Parochial Hall-Cork, 2.45pm, DCU Mercy v WIT Wildcats, DCU Complex, 3.30pm, Ulster Rockets v UL Basketball Club, De La Salle, 4pm. Men’s Senior National Cup: Blue Demons v Ballon BC, Mardyke, 3.15pm. U-20 Men’s National Cup: Neptune v Fr Mathew’s, Neptune Stadium, 2pm.
