UCC Demons march into National Cup quarters

UCC Demons ignited the defence of their Pat Duffy National Cup title with an 84-78 victory over UCD Marian in Neptune Stadium on Saturday, while the in-form SETU Waterford Wildcats edged out Paudie O'Connor National Cup holders, Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell 78-75 in their opening-round encounter in Cork on Sunday.

Defending Pat Duffy National Cup champions UCC Demons carded their second win over UCD Marian this season to secure a quarter-final berth in this year’s competition.

Having already edged out their Dublin rivals by five points in week two of the Men’s Super League, the Cork side ran out 84-78 winners on Saturday evening in Neptune Stadium. Five players finished in double figures for the holders, including Tobias Christensen on 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The combined 44 points from Eoin Nelson and Lovre Tvrdic helped keep UCD in the reckoning throughout this match-up, but last season’s President’s Cup winners, who were without the services of the injured Jonathan Jean, ultimately came up just short again.

Griffith College Éanna bounced back from two straight defeats in the Men’s Super League to surmount a huge challenge from Belfast Star in their Pat Duffy National Cup encounter, winning out 103-89 in overtime in Coláiste Éanna on Saturday night.

Maurice Jones hit a huge score for the visitors to force overtime, but, with the aid of a big performance at both ends of the floor by Cathal O’Sullivan, Éanna pulled clear in the added minutes to secure further passage in the competition.

Energywise Ireland Neptune followed up on last Monday’s victory over defending Men’s Super League champions, Griffith College Éanna with a 102-76 victory over Templeogue in their Pat Duffy Cup Round One clash in the National Basketball