UCC Demons and Neptune go head to head again for a place in the semi final of the Super League playoffs

Just when we thought it was settled for the season in terms of Cork derby basketball games, the NLC of Basketball Ireland decided that last Sunday’s result where UCC Demons won 100-93 against Energywise Ireland Neptune should not stand because of a table error in the opening quarter.

The bottom line is that Demons had two points too many on the scoreboard at the end of 40 minutes and that Neptune protested ultimately giving them a second bite of the cherry.

For the basketball fans it will be back to the Mardyke tomorrow when this great rivalry will continue in the Men’s Super League quarter final play off (5.30pm).

Demons coach Danny O’Mahony wasn’t a happy camper when the decision filtered through this week from basketball headquarters, but he was bullish in his approach to the game.

“Look, basketball games are won on court and my players have now refocused and hopefully justice will be done on this occasion,” said O’Mahony.

Reflecting back on Sunday’s game Demons will know they will need to improve particularly in defence.

The Neptune American Chance Hunter had a season best with a 35- point tally and Demons will most likely have a new man guarding him on this occasion.

Hunter could only manage nine points the previous week against Sligo All- Stars but his shooting was excellent against Demons and he will need a repeat of that display for his team to win.

The second Neptune American Tamyrik Fields was ejected in the 25th minute and judging by his reaction to the decision can count himself very lucky to be playing in this game.

Fields is a scorer but tends to get involved with spectators and opposing players and for Neptune to win he will need to be solely focused on the job in hand.

When Demons dissected last Sunday’s game, they will surely be in full knowledge that they need to up their performance in many departments.

Elijah Tillman without fully excelling was crucial when the game hung in the balance and Neptune will be hoping to restrict his influence on this occasion.

The second Demons American Patrick Robinson is at times a quality act in the offence court but his defending is questionable.

The final outcome on this occasion will once again come down to the contributions of Irish players and Demons could have the edge in that department.

Kyle Hosford has been known in recent years as the player for the big occasions and on Sunday he showed why he is rated one of the best clutch players in the league.

In my book it will be imperative that Hosford stays disciplined as his team needs him in a game of this magnitude and losing the plot is not an option.

The Hannigan twins have excelled since joining Demons although it makes the Neptune fans cringe to see them on court playing against them.

James Hannigan is a superb shooter when he nails an early basket and if ever his team needed him to be sharp this is the game with brother Scott one of the unsung heroes of this Demons side.

Demons captain David Lehane plays with his heart on his sleeve and his contribution will be needed at both ends of the court.

Neptune will no doubt feel they allowed Demons snatch the game from them in last Sunday’s thriller and they will be looking for a better opening quarter.

The contributions of Neptune’s Irish players Cian Heaphy, Adam Heaphy, Roy Downey and Darragh O’Sullivan will be crucial for them in their bid to win.

Bosman Jaksa Sola is capable of hurting Demons and if he plays smarter in defence he will help restrict this free scoring Demons outfit.

The eyes of the Irish basketball fraternity will be on this game and it would be nice if spectators would refrain from shouting abuse at the match referees.

There are many children that attend basketball games at various venues around this city and for them to be listening to foul language on a regular basis should not be tolerated.

Both clubs have a long and healthy rivalry and let’s hope the basketball produced in this encounter will see the sport as the sole winner.