There are only 2 games remaining in the Men’s Super League and for the first time in over three years it is just a two-horse race. Tralee Warriors are in the driving seat as they hold a one game lead and welcome already relegated Dublin Lions to Tralee this weekend. Elsewhere Belfast Star host Neptune and there are lots of intriguing battles that will affect the playoff spots.
Belfast Star v Coughlan C&S Neptune (Saturday, De La Salle, 6.30pm)
It has been Star’s home form that has them in contention for the league title with just two games remaining. The Belfast team are yet to lose at home in the league and this week they welcome a Neptune side in disarray. Neptune are on a four-game losing streak and have lost eight out of their last ten league games since they beat Belfast at the end of November. Star are currently on a four-game win streak since their shock defeat to Moycullen in Galway. Since that game they’ve had impressive wins including away to UCD and home to DBS. Neptune have the pieces to cause problems but with the long travel and Star’s impressive home form it would be a shock if Star don’t take their title challenge to the last game of the season.
Griffith College Templeogue v Pyrobel Killester (Saturday, Nord Anglia, 7pm)
In recent years any late season game between Killester and Templeogue would have serious title implications. This year though both have been out of title contention for several weeks. After being in the relegation spots last month, Killester are suddenly at .500 and in the final Champions Trophy spot. They are level with Killorglin, but the 13-point win last weekend ensured they hold the head to head against the Kerrymen. Templeogue, as Cup Winners, are guaranteed a semi-final spot for the Champions Trophy but they will be hoping to gain some momentum in the closing weeks of the season. Jason Killeen has been injured in recent weeks and if he sits out this weekend it would be a major plus for Killester. Killester have more to play for with their postseason on the line, it should be a great derby.
Keane’s Supervalu Killorglin v UCD Marian (Saturday, Killorglin Sports Centre, 7.15pm)
Killorglin are one of the top teams in the country this season but only when they play at home. Their current record is 8-2 at home and 2-8 on the road. With two games remaining Killorglin are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. They are tied with Killester but don’t hold the head to head. Killester face Templeogue and then UCD while KIllorglin host UCD and then travel to Moycullen. It is still possible for UCD to get dragged into a three-horse race if they drop their final two games and both Killorglin and Killester win theirs. In the first meeting between the teams in Dublin, UCD won out by 7 points as they won the inside battle. Allan Thomas created huge difficulties for the home team and with himself and Rami Ghanem the home team have the tandem that could get a vital victory. This will be one of the games of the weekend.
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors v Dublin Lions (Saturday, Tralee Sports Complex, 7.30pm)
With just two games remaining Tralee remain in pole position. This weekend is likely a formality as relegated Dublin Lions come to town. Lions lost last week at home by 41 points to Belfast Star. Lions are currently playing with just their young Irish talent, and although there is talent on the squad, asking them to go and compete in Tralee with a title on the line for the home team is likely a step too far. In the first meeting of the teams, Lions did push Tralee, but this should be a very different match.
Moycullen v DBS Eanna (Saturday, Kingfisher Arena, 7.30pm)
With two games remaining it will take a mini miracle for Moycullen to avoid the relegation playoff. They host DBS this week and then Killorglin next weekend. Moycullen currently sit tied with Maree on 7 wins and 13 losses. The issue for Moycullen is that Maree hold the head to head between the teams and their neighbours also face relegated Lions in the final game of the season. It will likely take two home wins for Moycullen to avoid the relegation playoff. This weekend is the first hurdle and they face DBS Eanna who come into the game after beating UCD at home last weekend. Eanna have struggled post Cup but they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Eanna’s defense caused huge issues for Moycullen in the first meeting and their size all over the floor should cause issues again. Moycullen are at their best when discounted but this will be a major ask for the Galwaymen.
Maree v DCU Saints (Saturday, Calasanctius College, 4pm)
Maree know that they are almost certainly safe from relegation, but an extra win will give them some breathing room. They host DCU this weekend, with the Dubliners knowing that if they win their final two games and other results go their way, they could sneak into the Champions Trophy. 26 points and 15 rebounds from Michael Bonaparte kept their season alive last weekend as they beat Neptune on the road, and they will need another big road performance to win in Galway this weekend. Maree won the first meeting between the sides by just one point in Dublin and they will be hoping to do so again this weekend. Darin Johnson had 28 in the first meeting and his battle with Bonaparte could be the deciding factor.
DBS Eanna v Coughlan C&S Neptune (Sunday, Colaiste Eanna, 2pm)
On Sunday, both teams will go head to head for their second game of the weekend. The early pace setters for the league both fell off considerably after their opening six weeks. Eanna have the advantage of being at home for the second game of the weekend, while Neptune will stop off in Dublin on their way home from Belfast. Eanna are in a strong position for the Champions Trophy and it would take a big collapse not to secure their spot. Two wins this weekend would put it beyond doubt for the Cup Runners Up and they will be eager for one more shot at silverware this year. Neptune’s own fight for the playoffs remains alive but this weekend will be as challenging as it gets on the road. A big performance is needed and it’s simply a matter of whether they have the confidence currently to do it.
Women’s Super League
With the league title wrapped up for DCU Mercy, attention has now turned to the playoffs as we head into the final game of the league season. Fr Mathews need a miracle to get back into the playoffs, but it is still possible. Lots of positions could change this weekend depending on results and there’s still lots to look forward to especially for International Women’s Day.
Maree v IT Carlow Basketball (Saturday, Calasanctius College, 6.45pm)
In their first year in the league, Maree pushed DCU Mercy as much as anyone could and have been one of the stories of the league this year. Doing so with just one American makes it even more impressive. As we head into the final game of the regular season Maree need a win and a Glanmire loss for them to come second place. With a home game vs Carlow for Maree and Glanmire facing DCU this is possible. Carlow are destined to finish second bottom regardless but they will give a good account of themselves and won’t give anything easy to Maree.
Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics v Marble City Hawks (Saturday, Leixlip Amenities Centre, 7pm)
Liffey Celtics season looked dead and buried only a few weeks ago but their recent run has seen them leapfrog Fr Mathews into the playoff spots. A home game against Marble City Hawks, who have yet to win this season, is the ideal final fixture and it’s hard to see beyond a convincing home win. Liffey could be a danger team coming into the playoffs and their confidence will be high. It’s unlikely Hawks will pick up a win this season but to their credit they have challenged teams well in recent weeks and there’s more to come from their squad.
Pyrobel Killester v Fr Mathews (Saturday, IWA Clontarf, 7.30pm)
Heading into the final game of the year Fr Mathews need a miracle to get them to the playoffs. Mathews need a win, coupled with a Liffey Celtics shock home defeat and a Wildcats win. The Liffey result is unlikely and it looks like Mathews will rue their loss to Brunell last weekend. Killester have dropped their last two but they return home to the IWA for a repeat of the cup quarter final. That game had some spice to it so this game should be no different especially with Mathews trying to extend their season.
Ambassador UCC Glanmire v DCU Mercy (Sunday, Mardyke Arena, 2.30pm)
What had the potential of being a magical last weekend of the season, ended last weekend as DCU Mercy got their hands on the Super League title. Glanmire still have second place to play for and they will want to show Mercy they are on an equal level as the teams head into the Champions Trophy. Mercy have nothing to play for but the friendship and competition between Mark Scannell and Mark Ingle, let alone the players on the court will make this one to watch.
Singleton Supervalu Brunell v WIT Wildcats (Sunday, Parochial Hall, 2.45pm)
Brunell have been safe for several weeks and have now turned their attention to trying to cause as much chaos as possible. Last weekend they created a stir as they beat Fr Mathews and potentially ended their local rivals playoff push. Wildcats know they are safe in the playoffs as their record against Liffey Celtics and Fr Mathews is better should it come to a two or three team tie. Wildcats have the motivation to finish strong but Brunell are playing without any burden so it should be a close battle.
