The speculation during the week that Stephen McCarthy may return to Neptune didn't help the Cork side and may have dented their confidence for their Cup clash in Tralee.

The opening quarter was basket for basket, Tralee winning 19-17 after 10 minutes.

The home team pulled away in the second quarter enjoying a seven point lead going into half time.

Tralee stretched the lead to 65-55 at the end of the third quarter but the last quarter saw Neptune bring it back to two points with less than four minutes remaining.

Barnaby Craddock rescued Tralee in the closing minutes by converting six free throws to put Tralee through to the semi finals.