From Tony McGee, Irish News:
It was a real Christmas cracker at Methodist College as Belfast Star ripped UCC Demons apart in the men’s Super League.
The Belfast men recorded a 95-84 victory, their first success over the mighty Leesiders in recent years.
Star’s Fearghal Toner, a doctor by profession, rifled in nine three-pointers and added four free-throws, while Keelan Cairns opened up in the second half with three ‘threes’ for 17 points, as well as taking a string of defensive rebounds.
Dillon Stith was also at his brilliant best despite the close attentions of UCC, scoring a game-high 35 points and also driving through for a few remarkable lay ups, including a number of dunks. Indeed, everyone on court for Star played their part.
Demons shaded the first half of the game, with Toner’s six three-pointers keeping Star very much in the match. The Cork men led 28-25 at the first break and 51-47 at half-time.
On the restart, the home team scored 17 points without reply with the Demons held scoreless for over five minutes.
It was a blitz that blew the visitors out of the game.
From David Kelly, Belfast Telegraph:
It may not have been a Christmas miracle but it felt that way to Belfast Star coach Darren O’Neill as his men defeated top Cork side Demons 95-84 in the All Ireland Premier League.
American Dillon Stith top scored with 36 points but the undoubted performance of the night at MCB came from Fergal Toner who hit a Premier League career high of 31 points. Toner was on fire from the opening buzzer and banked nine three-pointers.
Having had more lows than highs this season, this result was just what Star needed going into the second half of the campaign.
"Christmas certainly came early for me. The team and everyone associated with the club needed this win," said O'Neill.
"But it wasn't just the victory, it was the manner of the way we did it. I would say it was easily the best performance by a Star side at home in at least three years. I told the lads I wanted to see them express themselves and they did that. Now we can all enjoy Christmas and hopefully build on this."
From the Irish Examiner:
The biggest shock of the weekend was Belfast Star’s win over UCC Demons. This was Demons’ fourth loss of the campaign and the prospects of winning their third title in a row now look remote.
The Cork side led 51-47 at the break but amazingly only amassed 10 points in the third quarter and were demolished coming down the stretch.
For Star coach Darren O’Neill this was an evening to savour. “I cannot remember the last time I coached a team to win against Demons but having said that my team were outstanding from start to finish.
“Having lost a number of players to scholarships over the years it has weakened us a little but I could not be prouder of the squad.
It was a real Christmas cracker at Methodist College as Belfast Star ripped UCC Demons apart in the men’s Super League.
The Belfast men recorded a 95-84 victory, their first success over the mighty Leesiders in recent years.
Star’s Fearghal Toner, a doctor by profession, rifled in nine three-pointers and added four free-throws, while Keelan Cairns opened up in the second half with three ‘threes’ for 17 points, as well as taking a string of defensive rebounds.
Dillon Stith was also at his brilliant best despite the close attentions of UCC, scoring a game-high 35 points and also driving through for a few remarkable lay ups, including a number of dunks. Indeed, everyone on court for Star played their part.
Demons shaded the first half of the game, with Toner’s six three-pointers keeping Star very much in the match. The Cork men led 28-25 at the first break and 51-47 at half-time.
On the restart, the home team scored 17 points without reply with the Demons held scoreless for over five minutes.
It was a blitz that blew the visitors out of the game.
From David Kelly, Belfast Telegraph:
It may not have been a Christmas miracle but it felt that way to Belfast Star coach Darren O’Neill as his men defeated top Cork side Demons 95-84 in the All Ireland Premier League.
American Dillon Stith top scored with 36 points but the undoubted performance of the night at MCB came from Fergal Toner who hit a Premier League career high of 31 points. Toner was on fire from the opening buzzer and banked nine three-pointers.
Having had more lows than highs this season, this result was just what Star needed going into the second half of the campaign.
"Christmas certainly came early for me. The team and everyone associated with the club needed this win," said O'Neill.
"But it wasn't just the victory, it was the manner of the way we did it. I would say it was easily the best performance by a Star side at home in at least three years. I told the lads I wanted to see them express themselves and they did that. Now we can all enjoy Christmas and hopefully build on this."
From the Irish Examiner:
The biggest shock of the weekend was Belfast Star’s win over UCC Demons. This was Demons’ fourth loss of the campaign and the prospects of winning their third title in a row now look remote.
The Cork side led 51-47 at the break but amazingly only amassed 10 points in the third quarter and were demolished coming down the stretch.
For Star coach Darren O’Neill this was an evening to savour. “I cannot remember the last time I coached a team to win against Demons but having said that my team were outstanding from start to finish.
“Having lost a number of players to scholarships over the years it has weakened us a little but I could not be prouder of the squad.
