This is going to be a cracker. Basketball fans are gearing up for a major treat in store this weekend as DCU Mercy and Team Montenotte Hotel go head-to-head in a top of the table clash in the Women’s Premier League. DCU went to the top of the table last week after continuing their unbeaten run with a win over UL Huskies, 89-68. Meanwhile reigning champions Team Montenotte Hotel suffered defeat last weekend at the hands of Pyrobel Killester (82-73) during Basketball Ireland’s ‘Pink Weekend’ at the National Basketball Arena. The side was playing without stalwart Gráinne Dwyer who is expected to be back playing this weekend for the game in Dublin. Speaking after last week’s fantastic win - which sees DCU Mercy as the only side without a loss to date - Aoife McDermott stated: “All the wins to date won’t count for much if we can’t keep the run going against Team Montenotte Hotel. “They’re going to be out for blood after a shock loss. The league itself is so close now. “We’re happy to be on top but we’re taking nothing for granted,” she later added. “If you look at the results lately, it’s clear everyone in the league has stepped up their game.” Elsewhere, Courtyard Liffey Celtics’ guard Suzanne Maguire is predicting an entertaining battle for play-off spots. “Certainly up to Christmas, I expect these games to continue to be quite tight. Teams will evolve and develop further and you’ll see a different run for the top four,” she said ahead of her side’s clash with Portlaoise Panthers this coming Saturday in a much-anticipated Leinster derby. Meanwhile Pyrobel Killester and UL Huskies will go head-to-head as too will Maxol WIT Wildcats and Meteors. One thing for certain is that it’s certainly all to play for. Images: INPHO