The clash between Neptune and Abrakebabra Tigers has been called off due to the passing of one of the club’s main sponsors and supporters over the years, Donal O’Brien.

Donal is the brother of club chairman Terry O’Brien and will be greatly missed by all basketball supporters in the Kingdom.

UCC Demons will be looking to continue their 100% record when they take on DCU Saints but their coach Douglas Leichner believes the experience of his opponents will cause his side problems.

“The Saints had a good win on the road themselves last weekend and will be a very tough opposition for us,” said Leichner.

DART Killester have also enjoyed a perfect start to the season despite missing a number of players through injury but may have the welcome boost of the return of Michael Bonaparte.

Bonaparte made a huge impression in last season’s campaign for the Dubliners and could be set for a return to the club after the financial crisis in Iceland has forced the top clubs to release their professional players.

The Hoops and Ulster Elks clash will have the added spice of Irish International Ian O’Boyle returning to face his former Hoops team-mates.

Hoops bounced back from their opening defeat to DART with a win away to Limerick Lions and their coach Ahmad Smith is hoping it’s a sign of things to come.

“We progressed our game last week, we still need to improve offensively but we were delighted to get the win last weekend particularly with the game away from home,” said Smith.

Belfast Star have been boosted by the return of Fergal Toner and Scot Summersgill ahead of their meeting with UCD/Marian. Both missed last weekend’s defeat to Abrakebabra Tralee Tigers due to work commitments but will be ready for the weekend.

Meanwhile, in Basketball Ireland’s Women’s SuperLeague, LeisureWorld Churchfield Iona’s tough start to the season continues away to reigning champions Team Montenotte Hotel, while Waterford Wildcats and DCU Mercy is expected to be the game of the weekend.

UL Aughinish are set for a Dublin date with Meteors with DART Killester and Tolka Rovers fighting for capital bragging rights.

LeisureWorld Churchfield Iona coach, Wayne Kiely, is hoping his side can show a cool head when they take on Mark Scannell’s Montenotte charges.

UL Aughinish proved too strong for IONA in their opening clash and Kiely said: “It was our first game, the girls just didn’t have the confidence, it was ok, we brought the game close on a couple of occasions but we just took our foot off the pedal at the vital times.”