Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn are set for an exhilarating weekend of basketball action at the University of Galway Kingfisher as they host two crucial home games in the National League.
On Saturday, February 1, at 7.30pm, Maigh Cuilinn will face Team Northwest, followed by a clash against Scotts Lakers on Bank Holiday Monday, February 3, at 3pm.
With the season reaching its climax, this doubleheader marks a pivotal moment for Maigh Cuilinn as they aim to strengthen their position in the playoff race before heading into a daunting stretch of four consecutive road games.
Both Team Northwest and Scotts Lakers pose unique challenges, ensuring a thrilling weekend for basketball fans in Galway.
Team Northwest: A first-time encounter
Saturday’s game against Team Northwest will be the first meeting between the two sides this season. Based in Donegal, Team Northwest boasts an impressive roster led by 6’8” Trinidad and Tobago native Shakeil Bertrand, who is averaging just over 21 points per game. Dynamic British guard Tyler Mutemasango compliments Bertrand’s interior presence with his perimeter play, putting up 20.8 points per game.
It will certainly be a challenge for Maigh Cuilinn head coach Paul O’Brien to cook up a game plan to deal with that duo but he can probably count on a deeper level of overall squad talent which might just give the Galway side the edge in what is unlikely to be a game decided by more than a couple of possessions.
Scotts Lakers return to Galway
Monday’s encounter sees the return of Killarney-based Scotts Lakers, a team Maigh Cuilinn narrowly fell to earlier in the season, 84–77. That November contest highlighted the Lakers’ physicality and the scoring prowess of their standout players Mikah Blackwell and Darnell Snyers. Blackwell, a 6’6” forward, dominated the boards in their last meeting, while Snyers torched the Galwegian’s defence with 31 points.
With home-court advantage and a playoff spot there for the taking, Maigh Cuilinn will look to turn the tables and secure a critical victory against the side from the kingdom.
Momentum from a thrilling road win
Maigh Cuilinn head into this doubleheader on the back of a confidence-boosting 78–73 road win over the other Killarney team, Killarney Cougars. Saturday night’s game in Kerry was a hard-fought contest, with Maigh Cuilinn showcasing grit and resilience to grind out the result.
The game opened with a steal by Dylan Cunningham and a three-pointer from Grant Olsson, setting the tone for a high-scoring first quarter. Killarney’s physicality challenged Maigh Cuilinn, but the visitors found success penetrating the defence and creating opportunities. Killarney led 25–22 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was a bruising affair, but Maigh Cuilinn rose to the occasion, battling hard despite being the smaller team. However, a few costly turnovers saw Killarney take a 41–34 lead into halftime.
Rory O’Sullivan ignited the third quarter with two quick corner threes, while young Donagh McDonagh delivered valuable minutes off the bench. Heading into the fourth, it was anyone’s game, with Killarney clinging to a 59–58 lead.
In the final quarter, Antonio Molina’s steal and fastbreak assist to Olsson gave Maigh Cuilinn a narrow lead. Cunningham’s clutch three-pointer and a tough drive in the dying moments sealed the deal, with Molina icing the game from the free-throw line.
This victory demonstrated the team’s fighting spirit and sets the stage for a weekend that promises to be just as intense.
Tickets on the door
With two high-stakes games and a chance to catch some of Ireland’s top basketball talents, this weekend at the Kingfisher is one not to be missed. The energy is sure to be electric as Maigh Cuilinn looks to defend home court and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Tickets will be available at the door for both games.
