Maigh Cuilinn’s National League basketball season comes down to this Saturday’s high-stakes quarter-final clash against Portlaoise Panthers. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, Paul O’Brien’s side will need their best performance of the season to overturn a Portlaoise team that has already beaten them twice this year.
The game, set to take place in Portlaoise, is a rematch of two previous encounters this season - both of which were tightly contested but ultimately saw the Laois side come out on top. The most recent meeting, just two weeks ago in the final round of the regular season, ended in a convincing 88-66 win for Portlaoise. Before that, the teams played a thrilling overtime game in the National Cup back in November, which the Panthers won 97-95.
Despite those losses, Maigh Cuilinn will take confidence from their strong form heading into the playoffs, having won six of their last eight games, including a crucial 86-76 win over Tipp Talons last weekend to secure their postseason spot.
Defensive focus key to Maigh Cuilinn's hopes
If Maigh Cuilinn are to pull off the upset, they will need a much stronger defensive display than in their previous matchups against Portlaoise.
In their last league meeting, Spaniard Xabier Arriaga was a nightmare for Maigh Cuilinn’s defence, scoring 17 first-half points in a variety of ways. Additionally, the balanced scoring threat from Portlaoise saw seven different players register points in the second quarter alone, making it difficult for Maigh Cuilinn to focus their defensive efforts.
Maigh Cuilinn head coach Paul O’Brien has spoken all season about the need for his side to rediscover their defensive identity, and Saturday’s game provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. In their win over Tipp Talons last weekend, Maigh Cuilinn put in one of their strongest defensive performances of the season, limiting Tipp’s star player Joshua Reynolds to just 30 per cent shooting from the field. James Loughnane was outstanding in that role, and a similar effort will be required against Arriaga and Portlaoise’s deep rotation.
Offensive efficiency will be crucial
On the offensive end, Maigh Cuilinn must find a way to be more consistent. When these teams met in the Cup, Maigh Cuilinn scored 95 points and looked dangerous throughout, with Grant Olsson scoring 32 and Antonio Molina adding 26. However, in their recent league clash, they managed just 66 points - far below their season average.
Cian Walsh has emerged as an increasingly important offensive weapon, with the youngster hitting a career-high 18 points last week against Tipp Talons, showcasing his ability to score both from three-point range and on the fast break. Alongside Olsson, Aitor Perez, and Molina, he will be key to breaking down a Portlaoise defence that has caused Maigh Cuilinn serious problems this season.
Season on the line
A win on Saturday would send Maigh Cuilinn into the National League semi-finals, which would also be an away fixture the following weekend. However, they must first get past Portlaoise - something they have yet to do this season.
The challenge is clear, but if Maigh Cuilinn can combine the defensive intensity shown against Tipp Talons with the offensive firepower from their Cup meeting with Portlaoise, they have every chance of upsetting the odds and extending their season.
The game is set to take place this Saturday in Portlaoise, with tip-off time yet to be confirmed.
