Brunell take Killester to overtime but run out of steam to lose by four points

Despite a brave effort Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell suffered another defeat in the Domino’s Women’s Super League going down in overtime 82-78 to National Cup champions Killester at the IWA Clontarf.

Leaders Killester looked in trouble when Edel Thornton drained a basket with just seven seconds remaining that gave Brunell 72-71 lead.

Sadly for the Cork side they couldn’t close out the game as Michelle Clarke was fouled with just three seconds remaining but Brunell were given a stay of execution when the Irish Senior international only made one of her free throws to take the game to overtime.

In the five added minutes Brunell had no more to give as Killester helped by the class of Clarke who started overtime with a three pointer that ultimately laid the foundation for this win.

Not for the first time this season have the Brunell American pairing of Brailyn Joseph (13) and Maddie Cluse (15) failed to perform on the big stage.

The biggest problem is that too many of Brunell’s Irish players who are getting good court time and registering very little to the scoreboard.

Make no mistake Brunell will make the play offs and no team will want to play them as they have the quality and strength in depth to pose any side in this championship problems.

There were no problems for Career Decisions UCC Glanmire when they produced a stunning display to defeat cup finalists Liffey Celtics 88-68 on their home court.

In truth this was a clinical display from Glanmire whose third quarter performance saw them outscore their opponents 88-68.

This was the second consecutive game Glanmire have produced quality basketball after disposing of Killester the week before they were crowned Cup champions.

Credit to Glanmire they have played some quality basketball this season and when you look back on their cup semi-final defeat to Killester it simply didn’t happen for them in the fourth quarter.

Recruiting quality professionals is a big advantage to any side and Glanmire have done well with Viane Cumber (32) and Jewel Watkins (29) who contributed 61 points between them in this latest win.

Indeed, looking at their previous league game against Killester they chipped in 26 points each again playing good basketball against quality opposition.

Make no mistake Glanmire can mix it with the best and with the exception of Claire O’Sullivan who is consistently on double figures if the remainder of their Irish players step it up in the scoring department they could well be serious championship contenders.

There was a carnival atmosphere at the MTU Arena on Saturday when the National Cup champions Ballincollig received a guard of honour from Energywise Ireland Neptune.

In the game Neptune showed no mercy as they relieved some pressure from their relegation battle to run out deserving 83-69 winners.

It was to see a full house at the MTU Arena although the home fans had little to cheer about as their team failed to fire in any quarter.

If ever the importance of professionals was questioned Ballincollig without their star post American Latavious Mitchell looked similar to a car without an engine.

Granted winning a National Cup title at this level for the first warranted celebrations but the Ballincollig coach Ciaran O’Sullivan must have been disappointed with his sides display despite the absence of Mitchell.

Credit to Neptune despite the opening three quarters been close they never actually looked likely to lose at any stage.

Basketball needs Neptune playing in the top tier and hopefully they can put in another few battling displays in the coming weeks that will put them back into the safety zone.