Dec 09,2024
UCC Demons took another step closer to successfully defending their Pat Duffy National Cup title after they edged out Garvey's Tralee Warriors 73-68 in their quarter-final clash in Neptune Stadium on Saturday evening.
From leading by 10 early in the third quarter in Neptune Stadium on Saturday evening, the Cork side found themselves a point down heading into the fourth, but they regained their composure down the stretch thanks in no small measure to Patrick Robinson and Elijah Tillman, who combined for 48 points and 17 rebounds.
Griffith College Éanna bounced back from a heavy 23-point reversal at the hands of UCD Marian in Super League action the week before to book their spot in the penultimate rounds of the competition at the expense of a Flexachem KCYMS outfit they beat 87-74 in Coláiste Éanna on Saturday night.
The defending Super League champions again benefitted from a good spread of scoring, five of their players reaching double figures, including Sean Jenkins on a game-high 23 points.
Isiah Dasher drained five of his seven efforts from beyond the arc on his way to game-best 30-point total as Killester ran out 107-88 winners over Energywise Ireland Neptune to secure their place in the last four.
Paul Dick also recorded a big game for the Dubliners in Neptune Stadium with 20 points, five rebounds and six assists to help see off a Neptune side that finished with five players in double digits, among them Jahmal Wright on 19.
EJ Sligo All-Stars completed the semi-final line-up after they prevailed 84-79 in the face of a severe test by Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU in Mercy College on Saturday night.
A late three from Quashawn Lane left as much between the two sides with nine seconds remaining, but two converted free throws by Thomas Child ensured further passage to the last four for the hosts.
Robert Montgomery served up a big display for Sligo, emerging top scorer on 24 points, while also mopping up 12 rebounds, while Joshua Tomaic was just as effective for Ballincollig, carding 22 points and 10 rebounds.
