Defending Domino’s Men’s Super League champions Ballincollig edged out by Energywise Ireland Neptune’s buzzer-beater winner

Jalen Hodge sealed a 93-91 win for Energywise Ireland Neptune with a three-point buzzer beater against reigning Domino’s Men’s Super League champions Ballincollig, while Limerick Eagles moved clear at the top of the league with a commanding 120-90 victory against Griffith College Éanna.

Energywise Ireland Neptune secured their first win of the season in dramatic fashion, edging out reigning Domino’s Men’s Super League champions Ballincollig with a game-winning basket in the dying moments. Adam Drummond’s side took an early nine-point lead in the first quarter, only for player coach Ciaran O’Sullivan to give Ballincollig the lead two seconds before half-time. The lead changed six times in the second half, before Jalen Hodge ultimately ended the game with a late three-pointer to give Neptune a 93-91 win. 

Ballincollig’s latest signing AJ Williams opened his account with 20 points and 11 assists, while Alex Bellver continued his solid form with a double-double of his own in points and rebounds. Sam Smith led the Neptune scoring with 25 points, while also grabbing 19 rebounds en route to the final whistle. Neptune will take on UCC Demons in another Cork derby in round four, while Ballincollig take a trip to the capital to face Griffith College Éanna. 

Limerick Eagles remain top of the Domino’s Men’s Super League after a massive 30-point victory over Griffith College Éanna at the UL Arena. Niall McDermott’s Eagles strode to a 64-48 lead at half-time, but it was Éanna's 22 turnovers that cost them the game in the end. Limerick Eagles didn’t hold back in the second half, eventually stretching the lead to 36 points in the fourth quarter, and finishing the game 120-90 victors. 

Aaron Rhooms was Eagles most efficient player up and down the court, notching up 31 points on the offensive end and four steals on defence. Limerick Eagles clamped down on defence in the second half, allowing Nick Hopkins, Cathal O’Sullivan and Neil Lynch to only score a combined 20 points, when the trio scored 35 in the first half. Limerick Eagles will take on Limerick Celtics on Friday night in the Limerick derby, while Griffith College Éanna host Ballincollig. 

Killester kept their flawless win streak going with a narrow two-point win over bottom of the table St. Vincent’s. Killester led the game for the majority of the first half, even widening the gap to 15 points in the second quarter, but St. Vincent’s third quarter comeback saw them narrow the deficit to one. Noah Quigley’s layup with a minute left gave Killester a daylight six-point lead, a deficit that Mark Bodnar’s side struggled to return from.  

Scott Stone shot the lights out for the home side, scoring 39 points, including six three-pointers, bringing his season average to 28.3 points per game. Killester’s Matthew McGrath tallied up 17 points, while teammates Josh Wilson and Stefan Desnica shot 15 each, with Desnica going 80% from beyond the arc. Both sides will travel the distance in round four, as Killester take on Garvey’s Tralee Warriors in Kerry and EJ Sligo All-Stars play host to St. Vincent’s. 

Belfast Star overcame an early 11-point deficit to beat UCC Demons at the Mardyke Arena in the Sunday fixture. Stuart Rodgers’ Demons went ahead by six points at half-time, but a determined Belfast Star side put up 32 points in the third quarter to take the lead into the final period. UCC Demons got back on the horse to outscore Belfast Star in the final quarter; however, the damage was already done and Star travelled back up north with an 85-74 win. 

Asanti Price got back to scoring ways after a disappointing performance against EJ Sligo All-Stars last week to tally up 25 points on his home court. Irish international Rapolas Buivydas impressed for Adrian Fulton’s side, with a double-double in points and rebounds, while his American teammate Jordan Green got 18 points and 12 rebounds. Belfast Star’s results keeps them in third place, while UCC Demons fall to eighth. 

UCD Marian escaped 104-93 winners in Belfield against Garvey's Tralee Warriors after trailing by 13 points in the second quarter. Tralee Warriors took a commanding lead in the second quarter, going 40-27 ahead through a Daniel Jokubaitis three-pointer, but Ioannis Liapakis’ UCD narrowed the scoreline to one-point at half-time. UCD Marian’s fourth quarter onslaught sealed the game, as they outscored Tralee by 33-18 to take home the win. 

Isaiah Taylor put up a game high 43 points, with seven three-pointers and ten rebounds, while Christian Alexander registered a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Alec Milleneder and Jaden Daughtry combined for 45 points in the contest, as they lead the Tralee Warriors season scoring. UCD Marian will make the trip to Belfast Star next week, as Garvey’s Tralee Warriors welcome Killester to Castleisland Community Centre. 

Limerick Celtics claimed their second win of the season, beating EJ Sligo All-Stars 75-67. Limerick Celtics led 22-10 after the first quarter, only for Sligo All-Stars to drag the game back to six points at half time. The sides traded score for score in the second half, as Limerick Celtics eased to an eight-point victory.  

Tiras Morton picked up an impressive double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while also collecting seven assists. Albright Obode proved his value to EJ Sligp All-Stars with 11 points and 14 rebounds, as Miles Brown led the scoring with 18 points. Limerick Celtics move to fourth in the Domino’s Men’s Super League while EJ Sligo All-Stars slip to sixth.