In MissQuote.ie Division 1 NUIG Mystics and Ulster University will contest in the league final next Sunday at the National Basketball Arena, after both came through their semi-finals on Saturday.
North Conference champions Ulster University defeated Portlaoise Panthers 90-70, their scoring was evenly spread through Lexi Posset (20), Abigail Rafferty (18), Ciara Cooke (18) and Aoife Callaghan (14). For Portlaoise Panthers their offence was headed byAntigonie Sanabria (17), Gillian Wheeler (14) Shauna Burke 12.
South Conference winners NUIG Mystics got past Griffith College Templeogue 68-56, in a repeat of the InsureMyHouse.ie Women’s Division 1 Cup final. Only six points separated the sides at half-time, with the Galway club ahead 35-29 and they would win by 12 in the end. Courtney Cecere (18), Kara McCleane (13) and Alison Blaney (12) headed the offence for Paul O’Brien’s side, while for Griffith College Templeogue it was Jah-Leah Ellis (11), Lauren Deacy (10), Hannah Murphy (10) and Lynn Tunnah (9).
The Address UCC Glanmire are the MissQuote.ie Super League champions following an 80-54 win at DCU Mercy on Sunday.
It’s their first Super League title since 2016/17 season and it completes the double for Mark Scannell’s side, who also won the InsureMyHouse.ie Paudie O’Connor National Cup in January.
“It’s great, we’re delighted, we’ve had a very, very good season the girls were very focussed all year and worked very hard and they deserve everything they get today. It is nice to wrap it up today, it was always going to be tough coming up here, but we’re thrilled and happy now to get it out of the way. We probably prepared harder this week than we did for any other game, other than the Cup final, all year and that’s the kind of respect we have for them.”
Asked what the keys to their double success, Scannell added: “I think our depth, we’ve been very lucky with our depth. We probably have two players for each position and the girls on the bench probably don’t get the credit and the respect that they deserve, it is difficult but I just think with Louise (Scannell) and Annaliese (Murphy) coming back from injury late in the season, the last four or five games making a contribution, particularly in training where people are pushing more minutes. It’s a really, really difficult team to get time on and the girls have been very patient and they have worked very hard and there is great camaraderie there, but I would definitely think the depth in our squad and the ability for different people every week to come in and do a job has really stood to us, especially in the latter end of the season.”
Mark Scannell’s side are now six points clear at the top of the table with one game remaining and will be presented with the MissQuote.ie Super League trophy at their home game against Trinity Meteors next Sunday.
Carrie Shephard once again top scored for the winners on 25 points, while Tierney Pfirman had 14 points and Claire Melia had 10.
For DCU Mercy their offence was led by Bailey Greenberg on 20, with Alarie Mayze on 14 and Nicole Clancy picked up eight.
Second placed Singleton SuperValu Brunell were beaten 120-74 at home by a rampant Killester. Killester hit a century of points by the end of the third quarter, leading 100-49. Shannon Powell and Miyah Taylor scored 25 points apiece for the victors, while Rebecca Nagle had 21. Singleton SuperValu Brunell’s top scorers were Kwanza Murray (17), Shannon Ryan (14) and Edel Thornton (13).
Head coach Karl Kilbride said: “Delighted with our performance today. Obviously scoring 120 is excellent. But so many of our scoring opportunities came in transition after defensive stops and steals, which is what we’ve been working really hard towards the last few weeks. Shannon Powell was incredible for us today, I’d say there was barely a possession where she didn’t have a score, an assist, or an offensive rebound on the play. We did a really good job trying to limit Shannon Ryan’s offensive rebounds and that’s a team effort. We got everyone into the game and everyone contributed which is really encouraging for the future. Ali Connolly was all over the court, as she has been for the last month. Then Becca Nagle reminded everyone what a threat she is from three - hitting seven of them.
“We go to Waterford now next week with a chance of getting third, but we know we’ll have to turn it up a notch again. They have so much talent, are so physical and the Mercy is a really tough place to go get a result. We’re looking forward to it already.”
On Saturday IT Carlow recorded their first MissQuote.ie Super League victory of the season, as they edged out Trinity Meteors 68-67 in a thrilling game. They led by double figures early on, but Trinity Meteors clawed it back to lead in the final quarter, before IT Carlow got the decisive score to take all three points. Alyssa Velles and Miah Ryan were at the forefront of the IT Carlow scoring efforts, with 19 and 18, respectively, while Lauren LaPlant ended up with 12 points. On the Trinity Meteors side, the top scorers were Sarah Kenny (21), A’lexxus Davies (16) and Takyra Gilbert (12).
Speaking after their first win of the season, IT Carlow head coach Martin Conroy said: “It’s been a while coming, but when we got there, it was very sweet. This group has been magnificent for us over the past month. Their passion and desire has been immense. They’re playing some great basketball and it was a matter of time until we got this win. They’re going to enjoy their night now, and they deserve to.”
Elsewhere, WIT Waterford Wildcats turned their fortunes around following two recent defeats, with a 88-72 win over Fr. Mathews. MVP on the day was Rachel Thompson, who clocked up a mammoth 37 points for WIT Waterford Wildcats. Sarah Hickey contributed with 15, while Jasmine Walker followed suit on 13 points. As for Fr. Mathews, their top scorers were Gráinne Dwyer (21), Amy Corkery (15) and Shannon Brady (14).
Head coach Tommy O’Mahony praised the defensive effort of his side. "We got a vital win tonight against a good opposition. We knew going down there that we had a tough task ahead of us, so we were delighted to come away with the win. We started off really well and our offence clicked. Overall, I was happy with our defensive intensity especially after our last two games. Hopefully we can use this forward into the final games of the season," he said.
Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s continued their luckless run with another defeat, this time at the hands of Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics. It was a close game at the half-time break with Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s trailing 25-30, but the visitors pulled away for the remainder of the game, eventually winning out 60-39. Adrianna Jackson top scored for Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics with a tally of 21, followed by Ciara Bracken on 18, while Emi Guimond and Sorcha Tiernan both finished with 7. Top scorers for Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s were Lorraine Scanlon (9), Rheanne O'Shea (8) and Meabh Barry (7).
Speaking after the win, Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics head coach Ioannis Liapakis said: “It was a very difficult and physical game and we’re very pleased with the result. We missed a lot of open shots, but we did an amazing job defensively and we controlled the tempo and the rebounds.”
InsureMyVan.is Super League and Division 1
Griffith College Templeogue remain in contention for the InsureMyVan.ie Super League playoffs, following a 97-86 win over Bright DCU Saints. Lorcan Murphy inspired the win with a 35-point haul.
Mark Keenan, Griffith College Templeogue head coach said: “Happy to get the win tonight to keep our hopes alive of making the playoffs. Great offensive display in the first half set up the win, but our defence will need to improve a lot ahead of next week’s game against (Belfast) Star.”
Former Ireland captain Jason Killeen had 13 points in the win, with Kris Arcilla on 12. For Bright DCU Saints their scoring was headed by Graham Branelly (18), Jeffery Gordon (16), and Benjamin Durox (15).
UCD Marian, needing just one win from their two remaining games to claim that playoff spot, lost the first of those, 75-70 at home to Belfast Star, who secured second spot in the North Conference and a home quarter-final in the playoffs as a result of the win. It was a fifth victory in six matches for Adrian Fulton’s side, who had to trailed 38-32 at half-time. Fulton stated: “Delighted with the resilience and the character we showed tonight. It's a really good road win against a very good team. We weren't at our best offensively, but we hung in there and made some big plays in the 4th quarter.”
Shon Briggs (21), Max Cooper (18) and Conor Quinn (12) played vital roles in the win, while Jonathan Jean top scored with 25 for UCD Marian, backed up by Conor Meany (18) and Marius Markiewicz (11).
North Conference winners DBS Éanna won a thriller against Killester at the IWA in Clontarf. Trailing 60-45 at half-time Darren McGovern’s side won it 98-95, thanks to an inspired performance from Neil Lynch, who landed the winning points and finished with 31 in total.
“I have to start with complimenting Killester with how they played. We just couldn't get a handle on them. Late in the third I think we were down something like 24 points. But we had a big run to draw it back and in the fourth we were excellent. A triple double by Josh Wilson led us and Neil Lynch was incredible! That game winner was sweet for him. He deserves it. But U20 Jake Verscoyle was exceptionally good tonight. He had a great game picking up Irish international Ciarán Roe and heavily influenced the game for us”, McGovern stated.
Stefan Zecevic scored 21 points, while Josh Wilson bagged 17 for DBS Éanna. Kason Harrell put in a typically commanding performance at the basket downing 37 points, followed by Tomas Fernandez Zerolo (22) and John Behan (15).
Tradehouse Central Ballincollig improved their record to 14-1 with yet another win, this time at C&S Neptune. They trailed 49-47 at half-time, but a strong second half saw them home. Adrian O’Sullivan returned from international duty to top score for South Conference winners, on 27 points, while the influential Andre Nation had 25 and Milorad Sedlarevic 12.
C&S Neptune’s Irish internationals Cian Heaphy and Roy Downey had 14 and 12 points respectively, and Richaud Gittens also scored 12.
Tradehouse Central Ballincollig head coach Kieran O’Sullivan said: “We are pleased with the win. Neptune started well and super play by Dylan Corkery and Andre Nation kept us in it. We regrouped and knew we had a run and thankfully the third quarter our defence helped us get a good lead. Adrian O’Sullivan Milorad (Sedlarevic) showed their pedigree and we now concentrate on our last game before the playoffs.”
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors came out on top in the Kerry derby, winning 74-65 at Team 360 Financial Killorglin. Aaron Calixte (17), Niko Roso (14) and Daniel Jokubaitis (14) were top of the scoring charts for Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, whose coach John Dowling was pleased to emerge with a win. “Happy with the victory tonight, credit Killorglin, they've done a great job this season getting their young guys up to speed and it will show well for the future. I’m looking forward to our game next week in Neptune, with more work to do.”
For Team 360 Financial Killorglin their offence was headed by Xabier Arriaga (17), Alan Thomas (10) and Simon Fransis (10).
On Sunday NUIG Maree won 86-70 at Moycullen. Just six points separated them at the break, with Charlie Crowley’s side leading 41-35. A strong second half saw NUIG Maree pick up their second Galway derby win of the season.
Head coach Charlie Crowley said: “Yeah a great win there today. Today’s game was always a potential banana skin game, but our guys came out and took care of business. We’d played a lot of good stuff early on, but with missed free throws and giving away sloppy boards, it wasn’t really reflected on the scoreboard. A fine run to start the third (quarter) really put us in control and then we saw the game out from there. Now we work towards next weekend’s double header, where we’ve got Conference champions (Tradehouse Central) Ballincollig and then (Bright) DCU Saints on Sunday.”
In InsureMyVan.ie Division 1 UCC Demons followed up their midweek 106-105 overtime win at Limerick Celtics, with a 81-72 home success against IT Carlow to move nine points clear at the top of the South Conference. They trailed 39-36 at half-time before responding with a strong second half to register another win. Toby Christensen (18), Stefan Manojovic (14) and Ireland captain Kyle Hosford 14 led scoring for the Cork club, while for IT Carlow Amand Vaikuls (21), Kevin Donohoe (14) and Jordan Fallon (13).
IT Carlow’s offence was head by Amand Vaikuls 21, Kevin Donohoe 14 and Jordan Fallon 13. Second-placed IT Carlow did pick up a win on Friday, a 97-73 at home over Limerick Celitcs Vaikuls had 16 points in that win, while Kevin Donohoe scored 22 and Nate Shafer 17. Andre Wolford and Jordan Hehir impressed for Limerick Celtics posting 28 and 22 points respectively.
Fr. Mathews continued their remarkable run of form, 87-74 winners at WIT Vikings. Elsewhere in the South Conference Limerick Celtics won narrowly, 84-80, at Portlaoise Panthers to halt a two-game losing streak. In the Killarney derby Scotts Lakers Killarney registered a 66-59 success over Killarney Cougars.
In the South Conference leaders EJ Sligo All-Stars improved to an 11-2 record after a 98-80 win at McGowan’s Tolka Rovers. Grand Hotel Malahide are second, after beating Abbey Seals Dublin Lions 87-78 in a crunch clash as the race for end of season playoffs heats up. It was their fourth win in a row to move level on points with Drogheda Wolves on a 9-5 record. There are three teams with an 8-6 record – Abbey Seals Dublin Lions, McGowan’s Tolka Rovers and Ulster University. Ulster University were the only side from that trio to win, a 78-51 home success over Titans BC.
In-depth National League results available here
MissQuote.ie Division 1 - League Semi-Final results
Saturday 5th March
NUIG Mystics 68-56 Griffith College Templeogue
Ulster University 90-70 Portlaoise Panthers
InsureMyVan.ie Super League results
Saturday 5th March
Griffith College Templeogue 97-86 Bright DCU Saints
C&S Neptune 78-90 Tradehouse Central Ballincollig
UCD Marian 70-75 Belfast Star
Killester 95-98 DBS Éanna
Team 360 Financial Killorglin 65-74 Garvey's Tralee
Sunday 6th March
Moycullen 70-86 NUIG Maree
MissQuote.ie Super League results
Tuesday 1st March
Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics 53-62 DCU Mercy
Saturday 5th March
Trinity Meteors 67-68 IT Carlow
Fr. Mathews 72-88 WIT Waterford Wildcats
Team Garvey's St. Mary's 39-60 Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics
Sunday 6th March
DCU Mercy 54-80 The Address UCC Glanmire
Singleton SuperValu Brunell 74-120 Killester
InsureMyVan.ie Division 1 results
Wednesday 2nd March
Limerick Celtics 105-106 UCC Demons (after OT, 92-92 full-time)
Friday 4th March
IT Carlow 97-73 Limerick Celtics
Saturday 5th March
Ulster University 78-51 Titans BC
McGowan's Tolka Rovers 80-98 EJ Sligo All-Stars
Grand Hotel Malahide 87-78 Abbey Seals Dublin Lions
WIT Vikings 74-78 Fr. Mathews
Portlaoise Panthers 80-84 Limerick Celtics
Scotts Lakers Killarney 66-59 Killarney Cougars
Sunday 6th March
UCC Demons 81-72 IT Carlow
Next week’s fixtures:
InsureMyVan.ie Super League fixtures
Saturday 12th March
Moycullen v Team 360 Financial Killorglin, NUIG Sports Centre, 1500
Griffith College Templeogue v Belfast Star, Nord Anglia International School, 1700
C&S Neptune v Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, Neptune Stadium, 1830
Bright DCU Saints v DBS Éanna, DCU Sports Complex, 1900
UCD Marian v Killester, UCD Sports Centre, 1900
NUIG Maree v Tradehouse Central Ballincollig, NUIG Sports Centre, 1900
Sunday 13th March
NUIG Maree v Bright DCU Saints, NUIG Kingfisher, 1200
Moycullen v C&S Neptune, NUIG Kingfisher, 1500
Miss Quote.ie Super League fixtures
Thursday 10th March
Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s v WIT Waterford Wildcats, Castleisland CC, 20.45
Saturday 12th March
Fr. Mathews v DCU Mercy, Fr. Mathews Arena, 1700
WIT Waterford Wildcats v Killester, Mercy SS Waterford, 1800
Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics v Singleton SuperValu Brunell, Leixlip Amenities Centres, 1900
Sunday 13th March
IT Carlow Basketball v Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s, Barrow Centre 1400
The Address UCC Glanmire v Trinity Meteors, Mardyke Arena, 1430
MissQuote.ie Division 1 – WNLC Cup Semi-Final fixtures
Saturday 12th March
Phoenix Rockets v Limerick Sport Huskies – National Basketball Arena, 4pm
Swords Thunder v Limerick Celtics – National Basketball Arena, 6pm
MissQuote.ie Division 1 – WNLC Cup Final fixture
Sunday 13th March
Phoenix Rockets/Limerick Sport Huskies v Swords Thunder v Limerick Celtics - National Basketball Arena, 1pm
MissQuote.ie Division 1 - League Final fixture
Sunday 13th March
NUIG Mystics v Ulster University – National Basketball Arena, 3pm
InsureMyVan.ie Division 1 fixtures
Friday 11th March
Scotts Lakers Killarney v IT Carlow Basketball, Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre, 1945
Saturday 12th March
LYIT Donegal v EJ Sligo All-Stars, LYIT, 1600
Limerick Sport Eagles v WIT Vikings, UL Arena, 1900
Portlaoise Panthers v UCC Demons, St. Mary’s Hall, 1900
Limerick Celtics v Fr. Mathews, St. Munchin’s College, 1915
Killarney Cougars v IT Carlow Basketball, Presentation Gym Killarney, 1930
