UCC Demons edge Energywise Ireland Neptune after overtime to reach cup final

Seven-times InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup winners UCC Demons beat Energywise Ireland Neptune 100-93 in overtime at the Neptune Stadium to advance to this year's decider.

Neptune, who were finalists in 2022, started off brightly and would lead by four at the end of the first quarter, 25-21. They would extend their advantage in the second quarter; Ireland international Jordan Blount was prominent with 18 points by half-time, to help them to a 51-39 lead by the break.

The third quarter belonged to UCC Demons, as Daniel O'Mahony’s side came roaring back into the contest, the impressive Seventh Woods landed a three points to reduce the deficit to four points - 58-54. A James Beckom’s basket then levelled things up.

David Lehane’s three in the final minute of the third brought a rapturous response from the Demons fans, who sensed the momentum was with their team, it would be 72-68 to Demons by the end of the quarter.

A three from Downey from the top of the arc made it a two point game with four minutes to go, Neptune trailed 80-78. Demons responded in kind with a James Hannigan three point jump shot and it was 85-80.

Seconds later Downey landed his second three in a row from the same position – this game was going to the wire, 85-83 with 2'17" left on the clock.

The game was level at 87-87 with 53 seconds remaining following Andrew Gardner’s basket. Both sides had chances to win it, Neptune had possession with 28.3 seconds to go, but Derek Murphy’s jump shot didn’t drop.

"It's about us being the best version of ourselves in the Cup Final in a couple of weeks."