UCC Demons have a chance to avenge their cup final loss to Killester and win the Super League title

It is the game that the entire Irish basketball fraternity wished for as UCC Demons and Dublin side Killester go head-to-head in tomorrow’s Super League final at the National Basketball Arena.(4.30pm live on TG4)

When these teams last met at basketball headquarters Killester came out on top in the National Cup final and Demons will be hoping to go one better on this occasion.

The teams last clashed in the Super League at the Mardyke Arena that Demons won 108-96, but in fairness Killester were without their class Irish international Paul Dick.

Indeed, Dick was sidelined for about six weeks after that game and Killester didn’t look as efficient without his skills.

Demons have certainly been through the mill in recent weeks as they were made play a rematch with Energywise Ireland Neptune after defeating their great rivals in the original quarter final by seven points.

Despite playing under protest Demons demolished Neptune in the rematch that set up a semi-final against Tralee Warriors.

In probably one of the best games witnessed in Irish basketball for many years Demons came out on top much to the relief of their loyal fans.

What we have come to expect from Demons is that they are a high scoring team and that’s been proved in many games this season with the exception of the cup final loss that they ironically lost to Killester.

The Dublin side play in your face defence and are lightening quick in transition and that could be a problem for Demons in this decider.

On the other side of the coin Demons who play poor defence in the majority of their games are capable and must do a lot better in that department.

The proof of that was proved against Tralee Warriors when they trailed their Kerry opposition by 11 points with three minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Suddenly, Demons realised their title aspirations were vanishing but luckily, they answered the wake-up call and scored the seven unanswered points that reduced the deficit to four points entering the crucial final period.

To be fair the pendulum swung because of Demons intensity in defence that got them back in the game and the rest is history.

Demons coach Danny O’Mahony has had a wonderful run since taking over at the helm and the players hold him in great esteem.

When you have the dressingroom it is half the battle, and it would be great if the players give coach O’Mahony the title he longs for.

Recruitment by the Demons chief has been from the top drawer and in Elijah Tillman they have a warrior whose nightmare experience in the cup final at basketball headquarters still hurts the likeable American.

Tillman is loved by Demons faithful and the 30- year old would like to finish the season with the biggest title of Irish basketball in his locker.

Tillman is a tough player to guard and if Demons play smart without rushing silly outside shots and give the big man at least one touch of the ball this could upset the Killester rhythm.

The second Demons Patrick Robinson has been a revelation as he is guaranteed to have 30 plus points in every game.

Just like Tillman, Robinson had a poor cup final, and will no doubt want to finish his Demons career on a winning note.

Former captain Kyle Hosford started slowly against the Warriors but when the game hung in the balance, he once again showed his class.

The final assist to Tillman was text book stuff from Hosford and in a game where the stakes are very high Demons will need him to be disciplined.

James Hannigan was back to his best against the Warriors with a 20- point tally and twin brother Scott put in dogged display in the defending department.

Captain David Lehane is a warrior and will give his all against a Killester side that have a great coach in Johnny Grennell and two fabulous Americans in Kason Harrell and Isiah Dasher.

Throw in Irish players Ciaran Roe and Andrew McGeever and Bosman Baptiste Chazelas and you realise this will be a tough test for the Leesiders.

This game could be decided on who plays the smarter basketball and if Demons have belief in their ability, they could well reach the Holy Grail but it will be a very tough test.