Maigh Cuilinn return to Spórtlann Mhichael Mhóir in Leitir Móir this Saturday at 5pm for what promises to be a critical clash against Waterford Vikings in the Basketball Ireland Men’s National League. Both teams come into the matchup with three wins apiece.
The Vikings will lean heavily on their dynamic duo of English native James Aboaba and USA born Aaron Jackson, who are combining for just over 50 points per game. For Maigh Cuilinn, neutralizing this pair will be central to their game plan.
Head coach Paul O’Brien will also look for his team to shore up its rebounding and defensive structure after struggles in those areas proved costly in their recent outing against Drogheda Wolves.
Last weekend, Maigh Cuilinn fell 81-70 to Drogheda Wolves in the University of Galway Kingfisher, a result that marked a tough start to a crucial three-game home stand. The early signs were promising as Maigh Cuilinn edged out to a 20-17 lead after the first-quarter, with Grant Olsson and James Loughnane providing key scores. However, even in those opening exchanges, Drogheda’s physicality on the boards—led by Stephen Safo and Christian Simmons—gave a clear indication of what was to come.
The second-quarter saw Maigh Cuilinn falter. While Olsson carried the offensive load with 20 first-half points, the rest of the team struggled to generate much in the way of scoring, particularly in the half court.
On the other end, Simmons found mismatches in the post and punished the home side repeatedly. A buzzer-beating layup by Drogheda to close out the half left Maigh Cuilinn facing a 44-34 deficit at the break.
Frustration boiled over in the third-quarter, with technical fouls for back talk to the referees further undermining Maigh Cuilinn’s efforts.
The Wolves extended their lead to as much as 20 points, and while Olsson and Dylan Cunningham combined for some late baskets, the damage was done. Heading into the fourth-quarter trailing 69-53, Maigh Cuilinn were unable to muster a meaningful comeback.
The game ultimately petered out, with Drogheda fully deserving their 81-70 win.
Despite the loss, there were some bright spots, including Olsson’s 30-point performance and a promising showing from youngster Liam Moloney. However, Maigh Cuilinn will need a much-improved collective effort to contend with Waterford. Rebounding will be a particular focus, as the Vikings will likely look to exploit any such weaknesses with their physical style of play.
Saturday’s game is the second in Maigh Cuilinn’s important three-game home stretch, with Ulster University set to visit the Cappagh Community Centre on December 14. A win against Waterford would not only provide a much-needed morale boost but also keep Maigh Cuilinn firmly in the playoff conversation.
Local basketball fans in Leitir Móir will be hoping that this game, which will be the last occasion Maigh Cuilinn will host a game in Leitir Móir this season, will be the turning point for their Connemara neighbours who are going through a tough stretch of results at present.
