Moycullen’s Superleague basketballers need to turn good performances into winning results when they entertain DBS Eanna from Dublin in NUIG’s Sports Arena on Sunday at 3pm.
The Galway club has enjoyed a positive start to the season in all areas except for where it actually matters - in the wins and losses columns. Last weekend was a perfect example where some dazzling displays, from point guard Eoghan Kelly in particular, were not enough to see off undefeated league leaders Ballincollig.
It was a fourth successive league defeat for Moycullen, and while coach John Cunningham can point to four good displays full of heart, energy and only narrow defeats, they remain defeats on the record card. It is something they are desperate to overcome Sunday.
“I think we are getting there," says Cunningham. "It is tough to be losing, but I feel like we are making progress and that’s all we can do.”
DBS Eanna are far from the ideal opponents to begin a resurgent campaign. The Dubliners have recorded three wins to only one loss to date, and their import trio of Serbian Stefan Zecevic, Britain Romonn Nelson and American Hillary Nets are as good as any combination in the game. It will take everything Moycullen have to contain them.
Moycullen’s Eoghan Kelly says the team has yet to put together a really strong 40 minutes in one game.
"We have played great for stretches and then just had spells where we concede scores way too easily and lose our rhythm on offence.
“We know we have the talent to win games in this league. We have great depth in the squad and the spirit within the camp is excellent. We just need to stick with it and the results will follow.”
Last weekend, a disastrous start to the second half cost Moycullen their first win of the season despite an otherwise stellar display against the undefeated league leaders Ballincollig of Cork, who left Galway with a deserved 73-86 victory.
After a tense and thrilling first two quarters of play, Moycullen led by one point at half-time after some tenacious defence and clever offensive play.
The home crowd had every right to believe a maiden win was on the cards, but after a stuttering start to the third quarter in which they scored only six points in five minutes of play and conceded 17, Moycullen were left with a mountain to climb.
An inspiring run mid way through the fourth quarter had the home side back to within two points, but the energy exerted to do so was obvious. A final Ballincollig onslaught ensured the visitors won was a flattering winning margin of 13 points.
Moycullen had some excellent displays throughout with Joe Tummon and Josh Marvesley connecting on multiple three-pointers. The back court brothers of Paul and Eoghan Kelly drove the team well. while American Grant Olsson proved a real handful inside.
It was not enough, however, and Moycullen head coach John Cunningham will be left ruing an opening four-week stretch that could easily have seen them pick up three wins instead of zero from four. However, the fight shown by his players in games where they are usually outmatched by squads boasting several professional imports against Moycullen's mostly homegrown squad must give him heart that the spirit within the group will lead to wins down the road.
NUIG Maree
On Saturday NUIG Maree followed their elimination of reigning Pat Duffy Cup champions Griffith College Templeogue with a 97-91 InsureMyHouse.ie Super League win over previously unbeaten Garvey’s Tralee Warriors.
Deondre Jackson was again impressive, picking up 26 points, followed by Lovre Tvrdic (16 ), and Eoin Rockall (15 ). Nikola Roso top scored for Garvey’s Tralee Warriors with 18, while October’s Super League player of the month Aaron Calixte added 16 points and Darragh O’Hanlon had 16 points.
NUIG Maree head coach Charlie Crowley says the game was nip and tuck throught.
“We came out tonight ready to play, and we had to do if we were to stay in the game. Garvey's Tralee Warriors are a phenomenal outfit with some real star-studded players.
"Aaron Calixte and Nikola Roso bring a dynamic which is hard to match, but our guys had their number. When you’re playing such talent, it’s about limiting their impact to benefit your own success and I think we did that well. Our defence made it hard on the opposition and that was the benchmark for the game.
"Some players really stepped up to the mark again to prove why they’re in our team, Eoin Rockall showing the country not to forget about him out in the west. Overall really happy, but again it’s just one win, it kind of makes up for one of the two other losses. We’ll enjoy tonight, recoup Monday and all roads lead to Belfast.”
