BASKETBALL:EAGLES HEAD coach Mark Keenan is urging his side to bounce back against Belfast Star in the latest round of Nivea For Men's Superleague fixtures this weekend.
The Eagles got off to a disappointing start away to Bord Gáis Neptune last weekend, losing 78-62, but their cause wasn’t helped by the unavailability of their recent American signing Johnnie Jefferson.
“Our performance level needs to improve dramatically if we want to give ourselves a chance of winning our first home game next weekend,” said Keenan. “We didn’t do ourselves any justice by our display in Cork.
“We know we can play a lot better than that, but there’s no point in just saying it, we must show it on the court. Like ourselves, Star played without their new American (Tyson Johnson) signing last weekend and both of us will be looking to receive a big boost if both players get cleared in time to play.”
UCC Demons got off to a winning start against Moycullen but head coach Paul Kelleher is expecting a difficult assignment against reigning champions 11890 Killester on Sunday.
Kelleher is refusing to believe Killester have dramatically weakened following the departure of Paddy Kelly, John Behan and Michael Goj in the summer.
“No matter what the perception is Killester are going to be in the mix right throughout the year on all fronts,” said Kelleher. “Their core is still very much loaded with talent and is as good as any core in the country and have a ton of experience.”
Elsewhere, Bord Gáis Neptune travel to Dublin to take on National Cup champions UCD Marian, while DCU Saints entertain Moycullen.
In the Nivea Women’s Superleague, holders UL travel to face Oblate Dynamos, DCU face newcomers Ulster Rockets and Liffey Celtics have a daunting test against Team Montenotte Hotel.
DCU Mercy bring a full strength squad to newcomers Ulster Rockets, who suffered an opening day 71-62 loss to Killester.
“They lost last weekend but it shows what they are capable of when you consider they put 62 points on the board against a team like Killester,” said Mercy head coach Mark Ingle.
Singleton’s Super Valu Brunell have a date with Waterford Wildcats and Meteors take on 11890 Killester in an all capital affair.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday – Men’s SuperLeague: UCD Marian v Bord Gáis Neptune, UCD Sports Centre, UCD, 7pm. Women’s SuperLeague: Waterford Wildcats v Singleton’s Super Valu Brunell, Mercy Gym, 5pm; Ulster Rockets v DCU Mercy, DLS Anderstown, 6.30; Oblate Dynamos v UL, Oblate Hall, 7pm; Liffey Celtics v Team Montenotte Hotel, Leixlip Amenities Centre, 7.30.
Sunday – Men’s SuperLeague: UCC Demons v Killester, Parochial Hall, 3.15; UL Eagles v Belfast Star, UL Arena, 3.30; DCU Saints v Moycullen, DCU Sports Complex, 3.30. Women’s SuperLeague: Meteors v Killester, Coláiste Eoin/Iosagáin, 3pm.
