University of Galway Mystics travel to Dublin Lions this Saturday in a must-win encounter for Mystics' play-off aspirations.
Mystics and Lions sit level on points in eighth place. It is likely the winner of Saturday's clash in Clondalkin will progress to the end-of-season play-offs.
Mystics have shown real character in their recent games but luck just hasn't been on their side. They fell to a 74-68 defeat last weekend to Swords Thunder despite taking an early lead and piling on the pressure towards the end with a late surge.
The Galway side made an excellent start, outscoring Swords Thunder by 24-18 in the first quarter, with eight points each from Kara McCleane and Emma Glavin. However, Swords Thunder responded well in the second quarter and were leading 38-31 by halftime.
In the third quarter, Swords Thunder continued their momentum, extending their lead to 60-48, with Katherine Kayce Vaile scoring nine points.
Mystics battled back in the final quarter, mounting a determined comeback led by McCleane, who added nine more points. The Galway side won the closing quarter 20-14, but the earlier deficit proved too much as Swords Thunder held on for the win.
Kara McCleane finished as Mystics’ top scorer with 27 points, while Isabella Quinn added 13. Katherine Kayce Vaile was the dominant performer for Swords Thunder with an impressive 39 points and 32 rebounds.
All roads lead to the capital this Saturday, February 21. Tip-off is 3.30pm.
