Neptune and Demons face vital games in relegation battle

A huge weekend for Cork basketball clubs in the Men’s Super League relegation battle, particularly for UCC Demons and Energywise Ireland Neptune.

It is unbelievable that Demons and Neptune find themselves in this position, but the bottom line is that the table doesn’t lie and their displays over the campaign haven’t been good enough.

SHOCK

From championship winners to failing to make the top eight for the playoffs is not something any pundit would have predicted for UCC Demons at the start of the season. Poor recruiting saw Zach Hinton, Shariff Black and Jarvis Doles come and go and recently Tamyrik Fields picked up an injury that ended his season.

New signing Andres Rivera made his debut last weekend in their 118-109 loss at Sligo All Stars and, finishing with 16 points, his contribution overall was low-key. To be fair, he was hardly going to be a superstar as he wouldn’t have been available at this stage of the season if was an exceptional talent.

Forget the Americans, Demons are in this position because of their non-existent defence for the majority of the season and their consistent tendency to turn over the ball.

In the Sligo game, they had 21. It's hard to believe that many of Demons' Irish cannot simply pass the ball.

Vincent’s will come to town intent on bringing the champions down. If Demons haven’t the bottle for the battle, relegation will be staring them in the face.

Demons' second American Jordan Washington looks a talented player but he needs to play a lot smarter as his tendency to pick up early fouls has hurt his team in recent games.

In a game that is sure to bring a good attendance to the Mardyke Arena lets hope Demons find their true form and avoid the dreaded drop.

Energywise Ireland Neptune have had similar problems to Demons with two coaches already departing the scene at the Blackpool club.

To be fair, last weekend was a pressure game at Tralee Warriors, but they came through it with flying colours, running out 89-71 winners.

Americans Mike Hayes (31) and Jordan Henderson (26) contributed 57 points but Bosman Adon Gregorio only managed to have nine points in 37 minutes of basketball. There is little doubt this player has been a huge disappointment but if ever his team needed him, this is the game.

Neptune’s Irish players will be crucial as Eli Lenihan and Eoin Nelson are not contributing as they should be given the minutes they are afforded on court.

UCD Marian can be a high-scoring team but their defence can be suspect and if Neptune play smart I think they can get the all-important win.

SHOWDOWN

There is sure to be a carnival atmosphere at the MTU Arena tomorrow when Ballincollig play Belfast Star.

Star suffered a blow last weekend when losing at home to Killester and a win for Ballincollig would give them the regular season title.

In fairness, Ballincollig have been super consistent this season and, with Star struggling, will be favourities to take the number one slot for the playoffs.

Irish international Rap Buivydas missed recent Star games with Ireland and last week’s home defeat to Killester and it's quite clear they're a far stronger unit when he is on court.

Ballincollig will want to finish the season on a high. If their professional trio of Latavious Mitchell, Latrell Jossell and Josh Steel are in the right frame of mind, they should be good enough to do the business.