Cork Basketball: Ballincollig blitz St Vincent's while Neptune finish strong to beat Maree

Christmas cheer for Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig and Energywise Ireland Neptune as they secured wins on the road in the Men’s Super League.

Ballincollig made the trip to the capital for what was envisaged a tricky game against Bright St Vincent’s, but they showed class and maturity to secure the points with a 100-77 win.

The Cork side laid the foundation for their win by displaying total control in the opening quarter with Joshua Tomaic and Quashawn Lane baskets giving them a six-point lead in the third minute. Indeed, with three minutes remaining in this period, Lane knocked down a huge shot outside the arc that gave his team a 16-point advantage.

The hosts did respond and a late rally saw them cut the deficit to 11, 28-17, entering the second quarter.

One commendable aspect about this Ballincollig side is their ability to shut down teams in recent weeks and although Vincent’s are regular high scorers on their home court, they found it difficult on this occasion.

In the second period, both teams traded baskets for long periods, but Ballincollig finished this period well and went in at the break with an 18-point cushion, 57-39.

Ballincollig coach Antonio Lopez could afford to use various rotations, but it made little difference as they continued to dominate their opponents.

The teams shared 36 points in the third quarter and coming down the stretch Ballincollig ensured there was no way back for the Saints.

Jake Wolfe has been an inspirational American signing for Ballincollig and once again he came up trumps when finishing with a 22-point tally.

Fellow professionals Quashawn Lane (16) and Joshua Tomaic (13) also did well but let’s give a special mention to the Ballincollig's Irish players led by Adrian O’Sullivan on 17 points who managed a collective 49-point contribution.

RESILIENCE

Energywise Ireland Neptune halted a losing sequence last week on the road when defeating Templeogue and on Saturday they travelled to play Maree in Galway.

Credit to the Blackpool outfit they showed tremendous resilience and secured another badly needed win 80-76.

Bosman Jaksa Sola has come under scrutiny in recent weeks but he answered all his critics with a season-best and a 23-point contribution.

Maree played some quality basketball in the opening quarter and with new American signing Miles Brown showing nice touches inside and outside the arc, they commanded a 21-17 lead entering the second quarter.

There is little doubt both sides were up for the challenge as they swapped baskets for fun in the second quarter and with the teams sharing 40 points the Galway side had a four-point interval lead.

There was little to choose between the teams in the third quarter, but Maree continued to nail crucial baskets and entering the final quarter led by seven points.

Whatever the Neptune coach Pat Price said to his side going on court for the final quarter worked the oracle as they tore Maree to shreds in a blistering period of basketball.

Playing solid defence they restricted their opponents to 11 points and managed to execute key baskets at crucial times.

American Chance Hunter led the Neptune scoring on 24 points but fellow professional Jahmal Wright had another disappointing evening on the scoring front when accumulating a mere five points.

On the plus side, Darragh O’Sullivan had his best game since their opening win of the season at Belfast Star when chipping in with 15 points.

UCC Demons didn't play last weekend but return to their home court on Sunday next when they host UCD Marian.