Big weekend with national cup finals in basketball arena

IT’S A big weekend in the National Basketball Arena with the National Cup finals taking place.

In the InsureMyHouse.ie U18 Men’s Billy Coffey National Cup, Clondalkin side Joel’s Dublin Lions go head to head with Phoenix BC.

Dublin Lions booked their spot in the final with a 77 – 63 win over a powerful Dundalk Ravens side at MTU last week.

Irish international Harry Scully was the driving force for Dublin Lions in the semis in the second half as they wore down their opponents.

His 44 points proved the difference between the sides.

Scully, Rokus Liucvaikis and JJ Ryan are key players for Dublin Lions as are David Olokun, Rokas Liucvaikis and Michael O’Connor.

In the InsureMyHouse.ie Women’s Division 1 National Cup, defending champions Dublin Lions face Limerick Celtics.

The Clondalkin side weathered a powerful second-half surge by McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles to earn a 78-72 semi-final victory.

Rob White’s side appeared to be coasting in the semis having opened up a 50-25 point advantage by the half-time break, but the tenacious Cavan refused to bow and clawed back 16 points in the third quarter to ensure the Dubliners would have to battle all the way to the final buzzer.

Lions certainly started with intent as Emily Smyth’s three-pointer ignited a run that saw the Clondalkin side notch up 11 points before Cavan finally opened their account through Emma Tolan just over three minutes in.

Lions will be eager to go all the way against a talented Limerick outfit.

Meanwhile, Éanna BC will contest the InsureMyHouse.ie Men’s National Intermediate Cup Competition when they face Carrick Cruisers.

The Ballyroan side book their place in the final after seeing off Neptune 81-67 with a strong final quarter seeing them through this test.

“We’re really pleased to come out with the win against a really tough Neptune side and now we’re looking ahead to Carrick Cruisers in the final” said Éanna captain Ciaran O’Sullivan after the semi-final.

Enrique Melini, Liam Osinuga and Adrian Galpo are all key players in the Éanna side.