Preview: Killester and Ballincollig clash at the top of the Men's Super League

Men’s Super League pace setters Killester can extend their lead on the chasing pack when they meet third-placed Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU to begin the fifth double game weekend of the season. 

Jonny Grennell’s side suffered no hangover from their Pat Duffy Cup Final win as they dispatched Belfast Star 86-78 on the back of another strong showing from Isiah Dasher, bringing their winning streak in the Men’s Super League to 12 games. They hold a one game lead over UCC Demons with a game in hand. Paul Dick is likely to continue his spell on the sidelines following his injury in their cup success at the National Basketball Arena.

Five of Ballincollig’s seven defeats have come in one score games, last weekend’s buzzer beater loss to Energywise Ireland Neptune will have been frustrating to head coach Antonio Lopez, despite the fact they bounced back with a 101-69 win against an under-strength Templeogue team two days later. 

UCC Demons survived the ejection of Kyle Hosford and a Neil Lynch three at the buzzer to leave South Dublin with the spoils and stay in second place in the standings. They’re back on the road this weekend to face Maree in Galway, before welcoming Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU to the Mardyke Arena for a Sunday afternoon Cork derby.

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors bid to stay in touch at the top will be tested with back-to-back away ties against a Bright St. Vincent’s side fighting to avoid the drop and a talented Belfast Star outfit capable of taking out any team in the league if Dre Jackson and Darweshi Hunter hit top gear.

Elsewhere, UCD Marian can make it six wins in seven games as they take on an EJ Sligo All-Stars team struggling with key injuries and Templeogue – without Tavias Fagan through injury – will need a huge performance from latest recruit Samuel Henderson if they’re to upset Belfast Star and draw level with Henderson’s former team Bright St. Vincent’s in 11^th place.

There are implications at both ends of the table in Sunday’s fixtures. Bright St. Vincent’s welcome EJ Sligo All-Stars to Glasnevin in a game both will view as must win if they’re to start looking upwards rather than below them. Flexachem KCYMS have won two of their last three following a run of four successive defeats, but they’ll be up against it when Killester travel to Killorglin and Griffith College Éanna will attempt to end Energywise Ireland Neptune’s two game winning run, as Pat Price looks to guide his side over .500 for the first time since October.