C&S UCC Demons claimed back-to-back Men’s Premier League titles with a 99-87 win over Templeogue at the Mardyke Arena. Colin O’Reilly’s side endured a strong start from the visitors but powered through with a combined 56 points from Kyle Hosford and Lehmon Colbert.
“It was our best performance of the year on our biggest occasion of the year, coming off a 12-point comeback with four minutes to go against Thunder last night,” said O’Reilly. “It summed up what we’re all about and what the players have committed to over the last three seasons.”
The win puts the Cork club alongside Killester in second place on the all-time list with eight league wins. For Templeogue it was the end of a bid to add the league title to their maiden win in the National Cup.
Coach Mark Keenan said: “We were a bit unfortunate with injuries and the double game this weekend didn’t help, but we can be proud of the cup and look forward to the playoffs.”
The Dublin side were beaten by UL Eagles in Limerick the night before, allowing Demons to claim the title with a week to spare. UCD Marian locked up fourth spot and a place in the post-season Champions Trophy with an 88-77 win over DCU Saints.
In the Women’s Premier League, Killester secured third place with an 89-65 win at champions DCU Mercy. The relegation battle will go down to the very last game as Portlaoise Panthers host Courtyard Liffey Celtics on Monday. UL Huskies’ loss to Maxol WIT Wildcats means Panthers will avoid the drop if they can win at St. Mary’s Hall.
NUIG Mystics are Champions of Women’s Division One. The Galway side beat Fr Mathews to complete the league and cup double with a 19-1 record in the regular season.
Sunday 28th February 2016:
Mens Premier League: C&S UCC Demons 99, Templeogue 87
Womens Premier League: DCU Mercy 65 Pyrobel Killester 89
Men’s Division One: C&S Blue Demons 95, BFG Neptune 91; ITC Basketball 71, Team Kilkenny 89; Keanes Supervalu Killorglin 98. Kestrels 84
Women’s Division One: NUIG Mystics 59, Ulster Rockets 51
Saturday 27th February 2016:
Mens Premier League: Eanna BC 58, Pyrobel Killester 79; GCD Swords Thunder 85, C&S UCC Demons 90; Belfast Star 74, SSE Airtricity Moycullen 76; UCD Marian 88, DCU Saints 77; UL Eagles 95, Templeogue 92
Womens Premier League:
Team Montenotte Hotel 85, Meteors 65; Maxol WIT Wildcats 69, UL Huskies 56
Mens Division One: Kestrels 79, JM&L Auctioneers Titans 71; Team Kilkenny 99, Keanes Supervalu Killorglin 88; Fr Mathews 68, KUBS 80; Maree 78, ITC Basketball 55
Womens Division One: Longford Falcons 62, ITC Basketball 64; Fr Mathew’s 64, Team Garveys Tralee 50; Marble City Hawks 33, Oblate Dynamos 64
Friday 26th February 2016: Womens Division One: Fr Mathews 64, NUIG Mystics 67
Game Over Ball Burst 