BASKETBALL Chaos for Tigers in Nivea For Men's SuperLeague Opener

The opening weekend in the Nivea For Men's SuperLeague turned out to be a dramatic one with reigning champions Abrakebabra Tigers getting off to a disastrous start at home to UCD/Marian, while last season's runners-up DART inflicted defeat on Hoops in the Dublin derby.

Neptune accounted for Ulster Elks on Saturday evening, while UCC Demons and Limerick Lions secured away wins against Belfast Star and DCU Saints respectively.

Abrakebabra Tigers' Head Coach, Mark Bernsen, was left frustrated after his side's defence of the Nivea For Men's SuperLeague begun in chaotic fashion after their clash with UCD/Marian in Tralee was forced to be abandoned.

The points have been awarded to UCD/Marian after the game was stopped with 6 minutes 32 seconds remaining on the clock due to condensation at the Kerry venue.

"It's not a good thing, it's very unfortunate and something that bothers me deeply, said Bernsen. "It's the right call, you have got to make the call in relation to safety, which is important and I'd say that's exactly why they made the call."

The game had been stopped with 1.01 to go in the first half with the referees unhappy at the slippery conditions of the playing surface. When the problem arose again with 6.32 remaining, the referees decided it was not safe for the encounter to continue.

UCD/Marian enjoyed a bright opening quarter and they led 19-14 with David Ryan notching 7 of those points.

However, Tigers responded and were ahead by 13 at half time, with 10 CJ Hadley points in the second helping them to a 43-30 half time advantage.

The lead was up to 16 early in the 3rd, but Marian, and David Ryan in particular, fought back. They trailed by just 5, at 58-53, going into the final 10 minutes. A leg injury to Hadley, which forced him out of the game, did not help the Tigers' cause before the game was called to a halt soon after.

Meanwhile, DART Killester Head Coach, Mark Keenan, was pleased to start the campaign with a 64-57 win away to Hoops in Friday night's all Dublin clash at the National Basketball Arena.

In a low scoring contest, last season's league runners-up held a slender 34-32 lead at the break and went on to claim maximum points with recent signing Jim Grabowski producing an impressive showing, providing 21 points of DART's tally.

While Grabowski was the leading scorer it was performances from the likes of John Behan, who worked hard at both ends of the floor, which gave the visitors the victory.

"I am delighted to get the win," said Keenan. "It was a low scoring game, it wasn't pretty at times but I'm happy for the win, not happy really with the performance but I'll take a win anyday playing badly.

"The new additions were great," he added. "Jim (Grabowski) played really well, Pete Madsen slotted in well and so did Michael Westbrooks and they had to take on some extra responsibility with a few players out so we are pleased to start with all three points."

For Hoops their new recruits impressed particularly Rob Grant and Phil Taylor. Jonathan Reed, Ger Jago and Joey Haastrup worked tirelessly but they could not get an effective rhythm going.

Neptune managed to claim maximum points with a 91-84 success in their opening clash at home to UU (Ulster Elks).

The Cork giants had to prepare for the clash without the services of their two big men, Tristen Parham & Paul Stapleton, but still managed a 30-17 lead at the end of the first quarter with Jay Marriott claiming 14 points.

Neptune maintained the pressure in the second quarter and when Michael McGinn and Ger Noonan left the court with five minutes remaining until the interval they lead 54-38.

Despite the best efforts of the visitor's, who had 22 points by the end of the third quarter, they trailed 74-58.

Matt Betley, Clint Nagle and Irish international Ian O'Boyle impressed for UU but Neptune enjoyed a bigger points spread across the court with Vincent James, Marriott, Noonan, Reddy and McGinn all helping Stephen McCarthy's charges to a positive start.

Belfast Star's first fixture of the season at Queen's University ended in disappointment as UCC Demons proved too strong, winning out on a scoreline of 89-78.

Demons were always in control from the off and an opening three pointer from Carlton Cuff signalled their intent. Cuff was to enjoy a productive evening's work with 22 points while Irish star rounded off a hugely positive performance with 20 points on the scoreboard.

Star were always playing catch up with Demons and trailed by 11 points at the interval (43-32) who also had recent recruit Ryne Hamblet to thank for the win.

Chris Butler showed some early form for Star since his summer signing but it wasn't enough to prevent his side from defeat.

Meanwhile, Sean Coffey proved instrumental as Limerick Lions opened their campaign with a 79-60 win away to DCU Saints.

The Lions, who are coached by former Irish Senior Women's Head Coach Sasa Punosevac, held a healthy 12 point advantage at the break.

US Star Coffey chipped in with a fine 22 points, while his Irish colleague Neil Campbell was also busy in the scoring charts with 17 points.