Are the times a-changing? DCU Mercy have taken firm control of the Women’s Premier League this weekend thanks to an emphatic 72-55 point win over reigining champions, Team Montenotte Hotel. In what was a hugely-anticipated top of the table clash, Mercy retained their unbeaten status in this year’s league and now sit at the top of the table – three points clear. It’s a different story for Team Montenotte Hotel however, as the loss this weekend marked their second defeat in-a-row, the first time this has happened in over two years. A determined DCU brought their all to the game and, despite trailing by seven points at the break, picked up the pace and tempo to drive into the lead in the third quarter.

That Sarah Woods triple again. Her 24 points was the game high between DCU Mercy and Team Montenotte Hotel.... https://t.co/HTAu27mHYI

— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) November 8, 2015

A dazzling display from Sarah Woods bagged her 24 points in total, to include two fantastic three-pointers to see off a mini-comeback in the fourth. Speaking afterwards, DCU coach Mark Ingle said: “The rivalry between these teams is well documented. “Both teams probably know we’re going to be in contention at the end of the season. Psychologically, it was a good win for us.”

This buzzer beating 3 from Sarah Woods gives @MercyBasketball a 19-18 lead over @GlanmireBBall for Q1. #BIWPL pic.twitter.com/DN1q7fZfJp

— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) November 8, 2015

Elsewhere, Pyrobel Killester scored 97 points (the most by any side in over 18 months) to beat UL Huskies in style (97-51). “We had six players in double figures and everybody scored so we’re happy,” said winning coach Karl Kilbride. “The next four weeks could shape our season so it’s important to keep the intensity up,” he added. Meanwhile, there were wins for Maxol WIT Wildcats who overcame Meteors 62-53 and Courtyard Liffey Celtics who headed off the challenge from Portlaoise Panthers 83-61.