This weekend will see Moycullen make the long journey north to take on a rejuvenated Belfast Star on Saturday night.
After missing the first several games of the season due to work permit issues, Star’s American player Clayton Longmire has been hugely impressive, piling in 39 points in his most recent outing versus DCU Saints.
Despite the presence of Longmire, Moycullen will see this game as a real chance to get back to winning ways. In the equivalent match last season in Belfast, the Galway men took the home side to overtime before making some crucial errors at the end.
The absence of Cian Nihill due to injury will mean a number of players will have to increase their individual contributions offensively to be in with a chance of winning.
However with the continuing development of Dylan Cunningham, James Loughnane’s return from injury, and Michael Dowd impressing from the three-point line in the last two games, Moycullen should have enough potential firepower to cover for the loss of their top scorer.
Star are also a relatively small team for Superleague standards and with Stephen Tummon and Mason Ambler giving Moycullen a powerful inside combination, points in the paint could be the vehicle to victory at the weekend.
Coach Enda Byrt believes despite losing last weekend’s cup fixture against holders Killester, the game was important for the youngsters ahead of this weekend’s return to league action.
“Contrary to what some people might think, we took a lot from the game on Saturday. The lads put up a courageous performance and were quite effective in a lot of areas despite Mason Ambler having an off day.
“James Loughnane getting back and getting some minutes under his belt was really important for the team going forward. Michael Dowd is starting to see the reward for all the off-season work he has done with his long range shooting and we saw strong performances from Tummon, Mindaugas and Dylan.”
Killester's all-round quality saw them begin their National Cup defence in style,despite a well organised defensive effort from home team Moycullen.
Despite 107-71 scoreline, Moycullen never dropped their heads. Alothough American, Mason Ambler was off form, and leading scorer Cian Nihill retired with an ankle injury, the team stuck to their guns and at times forced Killester into making defensive changes.
Moycullen: Dylan Cunningham (16 ), Stephen Tummon (14 ), Cian Nihill (12 ), Mindaugas Kurchenkovas (12 ), Michael Dowd (10 ), Mason Ambler (7 ), James Loughnane, John Cunningham, Nollaig Cunningham, Eoghan Maxwell, James O’Brien, Kevin McDonald. Coach: Enda Byrt
