BASKETBALL:UL EAGLES can gain some breathing space at the top of the Nivea For Men's Superleague Southern Conference if they can emerge unscathed from their matches this weekend against DCU Saints and Moycullen respectively.
Mark Keenan’s side got their title challenge back on track in recent weeks after enduring a difficult start to the season, where they picked up just one win from their first four games.
The club revealed earlier this week that they have released American Johnnie Jefferson and are hopeful of filling the void in time for this weekend.
“The Saints have a wealth of talent and experience and have showed this season that they are serious contenders,” said Keenan.
“Our team defence will be tested at home on Saturday night as DCU have many scoring threats. Their man-to-man defence is probably the toughest in the league and we must take care of the basketball and take good shot opportunities.
“Moycullen have showed great improvements from last season and are always hard to beat in their home gym,” added Keenan.
“Their import player Luke Enos has been consistently producing the goods this year and their young Irish players are maturing with every game.”
Elsewhere, 11890 Killester will hope to inflict further woe on Cork this weekend when they take on Bord Gais Neptune at the Neptune Stadium. The reigning champions bounced back from two successive defeats to earn a superb 100-86 win at home to UCC Demons in their last outing.
Moycullen will have happy memories of their last clash with Belfast Star as the two sides prepare to meet this weekend. The Westerners earned their first win of the season when they enjoyed a dramatic 77-75 win at the expense of Star earlier in the season.
UCC Demons face a difficult trip to Belfield to play UCD Marian with both sides trying to bounce back from respective defeats.
In the Women’s SuperLeague, UL will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record against Ulster Rockets, while Waterford Wildcats make a difficult trip to title chasers Team Montenotte Hotel.
Bottom side Liffey Celtics entertain 11890 Killester and on Sunday, DCU Mercy and Meteors, take on Oblate Dynamos and Singletons Supervalu Brunell respectively.
FRIDAY: Under-20 Women’s National Cup quarter-final: UL V Waterford Wildcats, UL Arena, 8.30pm.
SATURDAY: Men’s Superleague: Moycullen V Belfast Star, NUIG Kingfisher, 4pm; UCD Marian v UCC Demons, UCD Sports Centre, 7pm; UL Eagles v DCU Saints, UL Arena, 8pm.
Women’s Superleague: UL v Ulster Rockets, UL Arena, 5.30pm; Team Montenotte Hotel v Waterford Wildcats, Neptune Stadium, 7pm; Liffey Celtics v 11890 Killester, Leixlip Amenities Centre, 7.30pm.
Under-20 Men’s National Cup Quarter Final: Maree Eanna, Calasanctius College, 3pm; Moycullen v Neptune, Kingfisher, NUIG, 1.30pm; North Star v Killester, Bishops Field, 1.30pm; Ballincollig v Tolka Rovers, Neptune Stadium, 3.30pm.
Under-20 Women’s National Cup quarter final: Team Kerry v Tralee Imperials, Pobail Scoil Chorca Dhuibhne, 7.45pm; Carrig na bhFear Rebels v DCU Mercy, Whitechurch, 7pm; Brunell v Meteors, Parochial Hall, 8.30pm.
SUNDAY: Men’s Superleague: Bord Gáis Neptune v 11890 Killester, Neptune Stadium, 2pm; Moycullen v UL Eagles, NUIG Kingfisher, 4pm.
Women’s Superleague: Meteors v Singleton’s SuperValu Brunell, Coláiste Iosagáin, 3pm; DCU Mercy v Oblate Dynamos, DCU Sports Complex, 3.30pm.
