UCD Marian opened their double-header weekend with a win over Belfast Star 71-60, however they failed to beat DCU Saints yesterday afternoon.

Scholarship student Daniel James returned from an eight-week lay-off as UCD Marian defeated Star 71-60 ahead of their all-Dublin clash with Northern Conference leaders Vincents in Belfield yesterday in what was a tough first weekend of games after the Christmas break. It was brother Conor, however, who made the most telling impact as he held Star's Paul Cummins to just six points after the break.

UCD were missing shooter Michael Higgins and forward Matt Kelly but all of UCD’s players looked strong and produced some fine defensive plays including impressive blocks from scholarship student Brendain O’Riain, which were then converted into fine scores.

DCU however stay top of the Northern Conference table as UCD were able to claim the double header on Sunday. It was a disappointing, low scoring game with UCD and DCU scoring a mere 35 and 25 points respectively in the first half. Shooting was poor and neither sides usual stand out players performed for the teams.

This was DCU’s sixth consecutive league victory and confirming their position at the top of the pile coach David Donnelly was delighted with the win. “It was a good win, we didn’t always play great, but our bench players made a difference,” he said. This leaves DCU Saints as the title favourites at this point in the season.

UCD have a free weekend this weekend as the National Cup takes place across the country however UCD’s Division 1 team travel to Cork to take on Maree in Neptune Stadium in the semi-final of the Cup so we wish them the best of luck.