Killester stop their slide

Basketball: Killester put a temporary hold on their slide off the northern conference summit by beating the hapless Star of …

Basketball: Killester put a temporary hold on their slide off the northern conference summit by beating the hapless Star of the Sea at the weekend.

The result leaves them level with St Vincent's, who easily accounted for Shamrock Rovers, but crucially they are six points clear of the dog fight for the final play-off spot.

A lightning start from the in form Damien Sealy, who shot six from six free throws, and Jonathan Grennell, who shot four from four, ensured Star have lost twice as many games as they have won this season. Sealy eventually finished with 30 points in a 112-97 victory.

St Vincent's stayed on course with the 80-69 result against Rovers that keeps them outright leaders of the conference.

READ MORE

Yet, the pivotal result in the league was UCD's storming of Ballina as it sees them remove the Mayo club from the play-off zone. Barry Glover impressed off the boards, while Jaran Jones shot 37 points.

Ballina's reliance on their Americans perhaps hindering their chances.

Elsewhere, the Tralee Tigers kept up a relentless march to the double with a comprehensive win over Waterford with Roy Smallwood again the inspiration, while UCC Demons stay second in the south after a 14-point victory over the Killarney Lakers. Shane Coughlan posted 20 points in a solid display from the Corkman.

These results were again overshadowed by the action below them as Neptune crashed to defeat in the contest between third and fourth with Limerick. Just two baskets separated the sides at the finish but it means Limerick stay third, two points clear of Neptune who do have a game in hand.

In the women's Superleague, UL Aughinish were pushed to three points by Mercy Coolock but still keep their two-year unbeaten league record. The only side to beat them in that period, Killester, overcame cup semi-finalists Glanmire.

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent