After travelling to Dublin to face DCU Saints at the opening weekend of the season, the Lions had to make the journey once again - last night for a first round Superleague National Cupmatch up. Coach Sasa Punosevac has constantly repeated the importance of the National Cup, making it to the Semi Finals (and indeed the Finals) gives teams great exposure. After winning by a margin of 18 points the last time these teams met, the Lions were quietly confident that they would be able to pull it off again.

The opening quarter looked positive with Limerick's Robert Lynch opening the scoring, followed by a tit for tattrading of baskets which saw the quarter run with with the Jungle Kings ahead by 2. In the second quarte, much of the same was evident as Kinevane and new American signing Joel Green contributed greatly to the Lions' cause. The first half ended 43 points a piece.

James Donnelly (Saints) managed to score two from 'downtown' to open the second half. The beginning of the end loomed for the Lions as six minutes went by without a Limerick basket. The final quarter didnt show signs  of improving as Eoin Darling (Saints) rattled up an impressive individual total of 16 points during the last ten minutes of the game to end DCU Saints 93, Limerick Lions 75.

Sean Coffey was the Lions' highest scorer on 16 points, Kinnevane & Lynch followed on 14 with Joel Green on 12. 

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The Limerick Lions lost out to UCC Demons at the weekend putting an end to their winning streak. The Lions opened the match with an 8-2 lead after only a couple of minutes with thanks to Robert Lynch who took advantage of poor defending from the Cork side. Demons struggled to find their rhythm as Limerick used a switching defence to counter the demons offence and it was working as it took Demons out of their offensive stride as Limerick lead 22 to 17 at the end of the first quarter.

Demons intensity was evident after the break as they upped their defence and pressed high up the court forcing Limerick into turnovers. Demons were much better on offence as all starters were scoring threats and forced Limerick to scramble in the half-court. After a lack-luster first quarter, the Lions hit only 12 points in the second quarter and allowed the home side to lead 50-34 at the half.

The second half was a battle for both teams as they began to trade baskets. It was a chalk and cheese second half as both teams executed well but were aided by poor defence on both ends as both teams fumbled, turned over the ball and played weak defence. Colin O’ Rielly (Demons) was fouled out early in the fourth quarter but it didn’t stop Demons running out 92-79 winners at the Mardyke Arena.

After the match Demons coach Doughlas Leichner praised Lions coach Sasa Punosevac and the Jungle Kings:

“Sasa Punosevac is a very good tactician and their game plan to defensively switch everything was very effective,” said Leichner. “Scott Kinevane did a great job of pushing the ball.  He also got into the gaps against our zone. Sean Coffey was very effective from the three point line.  He did a good job of finding open people when we closed out on him.  Rob Lynch musceled his way to some key baskets.  The Limerick Lions will be a tough team to contend with during the season."

This leaves Limerick in third position on the table but allows Neptune to move within one point of the Jungle Kings.

Limerick Lions edged out Ulster Elks in a competitive and very closely fought basketball game in Limerick's UL Arena, Sat 1st Nov 2008. The Lions got out 74 to 72 in a game which was close throughout and ended with loads of tension & drama for the teams and their fans.

The Elks dominated the 1st Quarter and led by 11 at that stage 25 to 14. Limerick improved and closed out the first half to lead by 2, 37 to 35. The 3rd quarter was again very tight and Elks held a one point advantage 58 to 57 as the game headed into the last 10 minutes.

Limerick pulled away but some excellent 3 pointers from Elks kept them in the game. At 70 to 70, and in the last 30 seconds, Limerick's Sean Coffey came up with a two-pointer to give Limerick a precious lead. The drama wasn't over, Elks missed, Limerick were fouled, and Scott Kinevane stretched Limerick's lead  to 4. In a final twist Limerick were adjudged to have given an intentional foul, Paddy Gaharan hit 2 from the line. Possesion Elks, who got a shot off but didn't convert. Game Limerick.

Elks had solid performance from their entire playing bench with Matt Betley the game high scorer on 25. Limerick Lions had strong performances from Kinnevane, King, Lynch, Campbell, Dowd, and that vital two- pointer from Coffey.

Next up for Limerick is an away trip to UCC Demons on Sunday 9th Nov

2008.