New-look Titans are looking for a repeat capacity crowd in the Jes on Sunday (3.30pm ) when they host Dublin's Tolka Rovers.
Although losing out to Sligo All Stars by 74-66 in the opening game of Basketball Ireland's division one season last weekend, the youngsters, who have risen through the ranks of the Galway city club, showed great maturity in their performance.
Boasting eight new players, and an average age of just 18 years, Titans, coached by Paul Langan, showed tremendous tenacity against Sligo.
In particular, Ben Kelly, Malik Thiam, and James Kebana, all just turned 16, looked more than capable of beating their men in attack. They were not helped by a slow start, but followed up with a rallying second quarter, bringing the home side to within one of the visitors at half-time, 32-33.
New American signing Tom Rivard, formerly of Colgate University, was a stalwart on both ends of the court, contributing 29 points for the Galway city side, while Malik Thalim was strong under the boards, as was new Welsh signing Ioan Nickson.
Sligo made big shots at crucial times in the game, especially after Eoin Coughlan helped foul out their 6'11" American. Fortunately for Sligo, they had a replacement US signing in the wings, and 6'9" Jesus Martin to row in, with 19 points.
For the home side, Mark Devaney-Wynne moved the ball, drove well to the board, and hustled his heart out. Rando Kozlov chose good shots, but was hampered by a broken finger.
Eoin Coughlan, in his fourth season at only 20 years of age, was always a threat, chipping in with 14 points, while 16-year-old Irish international Ben Kelly made his debut, scoring six points from shooting, and driving fearlessly to the basket.
