Super League wrap: Emporium & Neptune make play-offs

Emporium Cork Basketball and Energywise Ireland Neptune clinched the final two spots in the InsureMyVan.ie Super League play-offs, while defending champions Garvey's Tralee Warriors were dumped out.

The Kerry side played out a classic against rivals Energywise Ireland Neptune on home court.

A DeOndre Jackson three had the teams level, 71-71, with just 37 seconds left on the clock in Tralee, both teams knowing it was win or go home.

Up stepped Irish international Jordan Blount to ice the game with a three of his own, swiftly followed by a pair of Roy Downey free throws in a 77-73 win for Colin O’Reilly’s side. It sets up a mouthwatering clash on the road against Belfast Star in the first round of the play-offs next weekend.

Earlier in the day Emporium Cork Basketball ensured their season will last at least one more game by beating Bright St Vincent’s by 30 points, in the first game played at the MTU Arena. Jose Gonzales and John Dawson combined for 39 points, with head coach Ciaran O’Sullivan now eyeing up a meeting with DBS Éanna for their next assignment.

DBS Éanna tuned up for that with a comfortable 89-75 win against relegation pla-off-bound UCD Marian. No fewer than six players hit double figures for Darren McGovern’s team, led by Joshua Wilson.

Strong shooting performances in both the second and fourth quarters proved too much for Ioannis Liapakis’ team, who’s top flight survival has been dependent on next weekend’s meeting with Moycullen for some time.

Belfast Star avoided the ignominy of three consecutive defeats heading into the post-season by grinding out a 90-80 win against a resurgent Griffith College Templeogue.

Chrishon Briggs had a big night from the mid-range, scoring 34 points including 10 in a strong Star first