Maigh Cuilinn faces a tough test this Saturday as they travel to Scotts Lakers Killarney, their sole road game before an intense three-game home stint leading up to Christmas that could be pivotal in shaping their playoff seeding.
Killarney, riding high on a three-game win streak, boasts a formidable weapon in American Mikah Blackwell, who is averaging an impressive 34 points per game. The 6'6" forward combines size, speed, and athleticism, making him a challenging matchup. Maigh Cuilinn will need a specific game plan to contain him.
The Galway side comes into the matchup seeking redemption after a hard-fought overtime loss to Malahide last weekend at home, where they fell short 76-71. Despite a strong start, leading 19-17 after the first quarter, Maigh Cuilinn’s offense relied heavily on Grant Olsson, who scored 14 of the team’s first-quarter points.
By half-time, Olsson had amassed 30 points, helping his side pull ahead to a 42-31 lead, yet even then, concerns were obvious over the team’s reliance on him as Malahide began to close the gap.
The third-quarter saw Malahide chip away at Maigh Cuilinn’s lead, outscoring them 17-14, as Oisin Rice stepped up and Olsson, visibly tired, scored just a single point. Though Cian Walsh and Rory O'Sullivan made notable contributions, Maigh Cuilinn’s offensive flow struggled in the fourth-quarter, and the game headed to overtime locked at 62 points.
In the extra period, Maigh Cuilinn initially built a six-point cushion, but Romonn Nelson found his stride for Malahide, sealing the game with key plays down the stretch.
Olsson’s impressive 39-point performance was not enough, as Maigh Cuilinn’s over-reliance on him exposed gaps in their scoring depth. Youngster Walsh managed 10 points, with Antonio Molina adding 7, but Maigh Cuilinn will need broader contributions to contend with a well-rounded team like Killarney.
With Blackwell in peak form and Killarney’s balanced offense clicking, Coach Paul O’Brien and his squad will need to bring a sharp defence and resilient team play to counter one of the league’s most dynamic scorers.
After this weekend's trip to Killarney, Maigh Cuilnn will be back to the home comforts of University of Galway on November 23 for a matchup with Drogheda Wolves, then their last Leitir Móir-based home game of the season on November 30 versus Waterford Vikings.
