Killester tighten race at the top of Domino’s Men’s Super League with win over Belfast Star

There was movement across the board as the Domino’s Men’s Super League penultimate round concluded on Saturday. Killester claimed a dominant 28-point win over Belfast Star, Ballincollig overtook Star at the top of the table after defeating Flexachem KCYMS 107-80, Energywise Ireland Neptune picked up a vital victory over Garvey’s Tralee Warriors in the fight for survival, EJ Sligo All-Stars won 118-109 against UCC Demons, Griffith College Éanna defeated Limerick Celtics 87-72 and UCD Marian improved their playoff seeding with a nine-point win over St. Vincent’s.

Irish international Rapolas Buivydas proved to be sorely missed for Belfast Star as they fell off the top of the Domino’s Men’s Super League following a 93-65 defeat to Killester on Saturday afternoon. Killester had five players in double digits for scoring along with Baptiste Chazelas getting a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double. Killester started fast in the first quarter, with a big three from Robert Braswell building a 13-point lead late in the first at 27-14. With just 25 points in the second half, Star struggled to get anything going without Buivydas.

Star are now in second with a game to go, whilst Killester are now within a game in hand of them, also holding the head to head advantage over Star. As it stands, Star will welcome Limerick Celtics in the quarter-finals and Killester would host St. Vincent’s should the table remain the same after next weekend.

Ballincollig pounced on Star’s error, moving into first following a 107-80 win over Flexachem KCYMS. Two of Killorglin’s starters in Marquez Ellis and Rami Ghanem fouled out despite positive showings from both. A 35-point final quarter saw Ballincollig finally stretch away from the visitors after a tough back and forth affair. Latavious Mitchell continued to be a difference maker, scoring 27 and adding nine rebounds in the win. Josh Steel also added 22 for Ballincollig.

After an early season run that put them top, Ballincollig have recovered from some mid-season mishaps to return to the summit of the Domino’s Men’s Super League. They are currently in line to face Garvey’s Tralee Warriors in the quarter-finals. As for Killorglin, it is a damaging loss that sees them level with Energywise Ireland Neptune, as both sides have two games left to play.

Energywise Ireland Neptune kept their season well and truly alive with an 89-71 win over Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, who are yet to confirm the last playoff place. A 26-12 opening quarter put the Cork side well on their way to victory as Michael Hayes scored eight of his team-high 31 points in the first. Samuel Henderson also scored 26 as they outduelled the Warriors duo of Irshaad Hunte and Jordan Perkins, who scored 32 points together.

Neptune are now level with Killorglin on wins, however Killorglin hold the head to head advantage. Both sides play twice within the next week, but the only way Neptune stay in the Domino’s Super League is if they finish a win clear of Killorglin. Warriors are not safe in the playoffs yet, they have a game in hand but are just one win up on EJ Sligo All-Stars, who hold the head to head advantage should the final playoff spot need to be decided that way.

EJ Sligo All-Stars became the only side left outside the playoff places that can finish in the top eight after defeating fellow playoff hunters UCC Demons 118-109 in Mercy College. RJ Etyle-Rock and Elijah Lawrence put on playoff-worthy showings, scoring 31 and 32 points respectively. Jordan Washington did well to carry the load for Demons in the absence of Tamyrik Fields, who suffered a season-ending injury against Limerick Celtics. Latest Demons debutant Andres Rivera scored 16 in his maiden game.

Sligo are 8-13 for the season, one win off of Warriors, but have an extra game played. Demons are officially eliminated from playoff contention after suffering their 14^th defeat of the season.

Griffith College Éanna officially sealed their spot in fourth for the final home court spot, with an 87-72 victory over Limerick Celtics. Jaylyn Richardson led the way for Éanna with 25 points, but had big help from the bench, with Neil Lynch adding 20 points in 19 minutes. AJ Williams had his fourth 30+ point game of the season to extend his lead at the top of the points scoring table for players across the league, having a 36-point game for Celtics in the defeat.

Éanna are 12-8 for the season, set in fourth position. It is looking like they will face one of UCD Marian or St. Vincent’s in the opening round of the playoffs. For Celtics, their fate of being in the playoffs is all but sealed as they sit in seventh, currently projected to head to Belfast Star.

St. Vincent’s fell to an 11^th loss of the season after seeing defeat against UCD Marian 83-92 in Glasnevin. Marian had three players score at least 20 points in the win, with Ronan Byrne and Bruce Saintilus scoring 22 each but it was Tanner Graham leading the way for Marian with 25 points and 11 rebounds.

Vincent’s have been overtaking by Marian following the loss, falling to sixth position in the table with a week to go. Marian are now fifth, with a record of 10-11, same as Vincents however they hold the head to head record as the playoff season approaches.