UCC Demons win a classic game against title rivals Killester by producing their best of the season

UCC Demons 108 

Killester 96 

UCC Demons produced a season best to defeat Killester in an exhilarating Men’s Super League clash at the Mardyke Arena on Sunday.  

Having only returned for their overtime win over Sligo in Sligo at 3am on Sunday morning, this game, just 12 hours later, was always going to be both a very physical and mental test for the Cork side.

And to be fair to them, they coped with both challenges.

In one of most highly charged games of the season Demons lost captain and coach as David Lehane and Danny O’Mahony were both ejected for picking up two technical fouls each.

Kason Harrell only took 15 seconds to get in backdoor for a simple lay up for the visitors before James Hannigan replied with a free throw.

To be fair Killester were passing the ball at pace and with Demons defence suspect Killester were punishing them at will they deservedly led 13-11 in the third minute.

Although having a great season Demons defending at times in this campaign has been dreadful but a James Hannigan interception gave them a two- point lead.

Just as he did in the cup final Isiah Dasher broke Demons hearts with some incredible three pointers as the Dublin side led 39-35 entering the second quarter.

On the restart the Killester shooting average didn’t drop as they continued to nail shots for fun and after just two minutes of the second period they increased their lead to nine points.

To be fair the one Demons player that played stringent defence when introduced was Blake Murphy as he showed the type of movement that’s needed at this level.

Then came an incident that saw Demons punished with three technical fouls which resulted in Killester getting awarded six free throws.

In the closing minutes Demons rallied and a late Patrick Robinson steal and basket gave Demons a 63-60 lead.

Tensions were high at interval as the players left the court and frustrations almost spilled to a major melee but it was thankfully brought to order.

Tillman got the third quarter up and running with a slick jumper but Demons continued to be lethargic in defence.

The game continued to ebb and flow but once again indiscipline cost them again with yet another technical foul.

It was evident the tension in this game was at fever pitch but Killester following an Isaac Westbrook jumper Killester surged into a four- point lead.

Demons coach Danny O’Mahony was then ejected for a second technical foul and shortly his assistant Stuart Rodgers received one for another verbal spat at the officials.

Killester led 85-80 entering the fourth quarter and Tillman began with a slammer that had the home fans in rapture.

Coming down the stretch Demons led 90-88 with six minutes remaining and when Tillman made a brace of free throws the lead extended to four points.

In the closing minutes Demons built up an 11- point lead and despite Killester rallying there was no way back for the cup champions.

Scorers for UCC Demons: E Tillman 26, T Christensen 24, P Robinson 21, J Hannigan 13, K Hosford 14.

Killester: K Harrell 30, I Dasher 21, A McGeever 17.

UCC Demons: S Hannigan, B Murphy, T Christensen, P Robinson, J Hannigan, D Lehane, E Spudis, K Hosford, C Looney, D Cuff, E Tillman.

Killester: P Dick, C Evans, D Sheridan, A McGeever, E McKean, P Sullivan, I Dasher, F Raheem, C Roe, K Harrell, B Chazelas, E Kiernan.

Referees: Jamie Dooley (Portlaoise), Aramanas Immers (Cavan), Ardnus Pauliukenas (Dublin).