An improved Maigh Cuilinn performance fell away late in Cork as Neptune ran out comfortable 96-80 winners in Basketball Ireland men’s Super League.
Having recently turned a corner after their first win against UCC Demons in their last home game, Maigh Cuilin followed up with a respectable showing in Dublin against high-flying DBS Eanna, a match that came down to the final minutes.
While still crippled by injuries to key players, Maigh Cuilnn have found new rotations and are adjusting to life without the services of James Loughnane, James Connaire and James Lyons for now.
Their growing confidence was evident on Saturday in a superb first-half display that had the hosts very much aware they were in a battle.
When the sides met previously, the game was over as a contest at the half-time, Neptune leading by more than 20 points. That was not the case on Saturday, and but for a woeful return from the free throw line, Maigh Cuilinn would have been taking a healthy lead into the break after a solid opening two quarters where they attacked with variety and decisiveness.
However they did struggle mightily from the free throw line, missing a dozen free throw shots in the first half. Their good play had still put them right in the contest and a three-point shot from Kevin Nugent that would have levelled proceedings entering the break fell just wide.
From the ensuing rebound, Neptune quickly counter-attacked and converted a three-pointer on the buzzer to put the home side up by six.
That small sequence was perhaps emblematic of the game overall as good Maigh Cuilinn offence was simply bettered by a superior Neptune attack which, when in full flow, is probably the best in the country.
Led by dynamic American Jordan Evans and deft inside playmaker Nil Sabata, Neptune are blessed with Irish internationals Jordan Blount and Roy Downey as third and fourth options, who would be the main focus of an offence on any team.
While Maigh Cuilnn continued to score well on the offensive end, pouring in 80 points (a season high ), they were unable to contain a Neptune offence that found its feet in the third quarter.
Blount proved a handful inside and it was a constant dilemma for coach John Cunningham whether to send a double team or not. In transition Jordan Evan was masterful in sneaking free and finding open three-pointers, while Neptune’s Xabier Arriaga enjoyed one of his best games against the usually stingy Maigh Cuilinn defence, netting 13 points.
Maigh Cuilnn had good performances from Grant Olsson, who continued his recent scoring outburst by contributing 31 points, and from Mateo Libertaore and Dylan Cunningham (14 and 11 points respectively ), along with the sharp shooting of Joe Tummon (two three-pointers ).
Maigh Cuilinn now head into the Christmas break after what has been a difficult opening half of the season that has seen them pick up only one win. However, there can be no denying their improved performances in recent outings and although they have had disappointing news on the injury front with no players expected back soon, they have found a new rhythm without these and are finally adjusting.
That next game is potentially the most important of the season when on December 30 at 7pm, they play relegation rivals UCD Marian, who sit just one win ahead of them at the foot of the table. That game is in the University of Galway Sports Arena and will be the only time this season the two teams who look most likely to be fighting the relegation battle will meet.
Maigh Cuilinn scorers: Grant Olsson (31 ), Mateo Liberatore (14 ), Dylan Cunningham (11 ), Joseph Tummon (9 ), Ayberk Taylan (7 ), Dara Kenna (3 ), Brian Gaffney (3 ), Kevin Nugent (2 ), Rory O’Sullivan, Kyle Cunningham, Donagh McDonagh.
