University of Galway Maree and Belfast Star are neck and neck in the lead of Basketball Ireland's Super League.
Both clubs have won 12 of their 15 games to date, and there is only a point or two difference in their points scored and conceded as they head towards the end of the season.
UG Maree's latest victory in their fine season was against DBS Éanna when they prevailed by 62-50 in a repeat of the InsureMyHouse.ie National Cup final.
Strong second and fourth quarters were crucial for the win with Cathal Finn notching eight of his 16 points in the second, while Eoin Rockall posted 14 points in the game.
Head coach Charlie Crowley, delighted with the win, says his team continues to try their best and leaves "everything on the floor".
"I’m delighted to get a win over Éanna. All our focus is on Ballincolig now, both mentally and physically.”
UCC Demons are the Galway club’s closest challengers in the InsureMyVan.ie Super League South Conference, they were 87-81 winners at Killester.
In the women's Super Laegue the game of the weekend was University of Galway Mystics v i3PT Fr Mathews, which needed three overtime periods to finally separate the sides, the Galway club eventually coming out on top, 102-98, to record their second win of the season. Naomi Sharlyn Ganpo-Nkwenkwa’s 27 points, backed up by 22 and 17 point hauls from Hazel Finn and Kara McCleane.
There was certainly an element of relief from University of Galway Mystics head coach Paul O’Brien afterwards.
“Delighted to get the win in the end! Both team gave everything and happy to get over the line. We weren't happy with our defensive effort in the first half, but really stepped up in the second half. I feel our play since Christmas has been excellent and to finally get that second win is a massive boost for us.”
