Demons stretch Super League winning streak | Kevin Galvin

UCC Demons 89Killester 78As the temperatures drop and frost is seen in Cork for the first time this winter, indoors things are beginning to heat up in the ‘Nivea For Men’s SuperLeague’ as the teams begin to hit their stride. At this stage most sides have played each other once, and we’re beginning to see who the early runners for the league title are, with Demons the team to beat.Not ones to rest on their laurels, the Demons have strangely opted to replace their so far excellent American signing Delwan Graham with the taller, more physical Kenton Walker. Demons chairman Michael O’Leary, speaking to the official website, explained the decision saying that it was “purely a business needs and team needs decision.”So there was a lot on the line for the Demons as the ball was thrown up at three o’clock on Sunday afternoon, most importantly an opportunity to reclaim top spot from the UL Eagles. They fell behind early as Killester, and in particular Puff Summers, were fast out of the blocks. The American guard hit six early points and was the focal point of a strong early Killester offence which saw the visiting side open up an eight point lead.Walker, in his second outing in Demons’ colours, was clearly struggling to adapt to a physical Irish game and was resigned to the bench for the better part of the first half while his teammates set about reducing the deficit. Niall O’Reilly was the pick of the Demon players, hitting a number of layups which saw the home side lead by three halfway through the first quarter.Killester were battling hard though, showing no signs of their poor league position; Michael Westbrooks was doing some sterling work in the face of some tough Demons defence, and at the end of the first quarter the away side lead 23 to 21.The second started much different to the first, with the Demons justifying their strong league position by powering through the Dublin outfit. O’Reilly continued his strong start and was hitting points left, right and centre. Supporting him were Ciaran O’Sullivan and Carlton Cuff, both scoring threes on top of a few more twos. At one stage the Demons were ahead by 12 points but more good work from Westbrooks kept the score in check. It was an outstanding half for the Cork side though, who headed into the half-time break ahead 45-38.The second half was altogether different for Demons’ new signing, Walker as he began to dominate the offence, scoring two quick two pointers and a lay which saw the Demons stretch their lead but Killester pulled them back. Summers scored a quick lay from a good steal deep in the Demons court, but it was really a tit-for-tat quarter and heading into the final period the score stood 67-58.The fourth was just a matter of being professional for the home side. It wasn’t easy though as their Dublin opponents fought hard and got within three points with only a few minutes to play through the excellent Ciaran Roe who chipped in with six points.One would have been forgiven for doubting the home side’s chances at that point but they’re not unbeaten for nothing. Walker was mopping up every rebound and, after he laid his 18th point, captain Shane Coughlan won possession and Shane O’Sullivan drained the resulting free-throws. That all but crushed Killester’s late charge and in the end the scoreboard suggested a more comfortable win than the reality.     Interviews with both head coaches and Kendon Walker will be posted on uccexpress.net.