Maigh Cuilinn face one of their most intriguing challenges of the Basketball Ireland National League season this Saturday when they welcome Ulster University to the Cappagh Community Centre in Knocknacarra.
Both teams have settled impressively into the Men’s National League following their relegation from the Superleague last season, each amassing four wins from their opening games. Maigh Cuilinn will look to maintain their solid home form, while Ulster, under the stewardship of Spanish head coach Eduardo Macho, aim to keep their winning streak alive after a convincing victory over Dublin Lions on their last outing.
Maigh Cuilinn will enter the game buoyed by their 110–81 triumph over Waterford Vikings, a performance that showcased their deep squad and potent offensive arsenal. Head coach Paul O’Brien’s side not only delivered an eye-catching total of 18 three-pointers but also gave all 12 players on the gameday roster meaningful minutes.
Ulster University, meanwhile, are fresh off an 89–71 win over Dublin Lions. Central to their success this season has been French forward Curtis Larousse, whose powerful inside game and 20 points-per-game average make him one of the most formidable players in the league.
Complementing Larousse is Irish guard Conor Liston, a versatile scorer and playmaker averaging 14 points per game. Together, they form a dynamic duo that will demand Maigh Cuilinn’s utmost defensive attention.
For Maigh Cuilinn, the clash represents another opportunity to leverage their balanced squad and versatile playing style. The team’s mix of experience and emerging talent has been a key factor in their early-season success. Key players like James Loughnane and Grant Olsson have provided consistency in leadership, while the high scoring Spanish duo of Aitor Perez and Antonio Molina have brought firepower in key moments.
A particular area of focus will be the battle in the paint, where Maigh Cuilinn will need to neutralize Larousse’s physical presence. The team’s ability to rotate effectively on defence and force Ulster into lower-percentage shots will likely play a decisive role in the game’s outcome.
Emerging youngster Rhys Plower could well be key for Maigh Cuilinn in this aspect and his fine play so far, in what is his first season at National League level, has been very encouraging.
The matchup will also serve as a test of Maigh Cuilinn’s perimeter shooting, which has been scintillating when on form, but patchy in other games. With standout performances from beyond the arc against Waterford, including four consecutive triples from Perez during a third-quarter explosion, the team will look to stretch Ulster’s defence and open up opportunities inside.
The importance of this game is heightened by Maigh Cuilinn’s heavy home schedule in the first half of the season. After Saturday, there will be just four more home games for the remainder of the campaign, with the only other 2024 calendar year home fixture being the December 28 clash against Limerick Celtics at the University of Galway’s Kingfisher Sports Arena.
Securing another win at home would give the Galway side vital momentum as they prepare for a challenging second half of the season when they will face a barrage of road games.
Galway basketball fans can anticipate a tightly contested encounter between two well-coached teams with contrasting strengths. O’Brien’s Maigh Cuilinn are a team that thrives on pace, ball movement, and a deep roster capable of contributing across all positions. Macho’s Ulster side, on the other hand, bring a combination of physicality and finesse, spearheaded by Larousse and Liston.
With both teams tied in the standings and boasting that Superleague experience from recent seasons, Saturday’s game has the potential to be a classic.
Will Maigh Cuilinn continue their fine home form, or can Ulster University make a statement on the road? The answer will unfold in Knocknacarra this Saturday at 3pm.
