Following the recent success in the National Cup, UCD Marian lost out to Cork team, Neptune.

UCD Marian were going into this match against Cork visitors on somewhat of a high having recently won the quarter final of the senior National Cup against struggling team, Ulster Elks and also the next round of the Under 20’s with a hope of reclaiming last years cup.

However Neptune made it five successive wins in their league campaign with a hard fought 88-74 win away in the Belfield Sports Centre.

UCD had too much ground to make up after the break, trailing 53-36 and were unable to stop the phenomenal scoring of Juwann James, who struck 48 points.

“Juwann (James) was spectacular,” said Neptune Head Coach Pat Price. “He had 48 points, 24 rebounds and four steals which shows how good he was at both ends of the court.

“We are delighted with six wins (five in the league and one in the cup) at this stage of the year,” he added. “The squad is a close knit unit and we are pleased with our progress ahead of what is going to be a very difficult January.”

Despite a strong attempt at a comeback and impressive scoring from young Daniel James and Captain Niall Meany, UCD were never able to regain the lost points of the first half.

The match closed out 88-74 leaving UCD still second from bottom with only two wins above Ulster Elks.

D. James 17, N. Meany 16

J. James 48, M. Mitchell 8 & K Reddy 8