On Tuesday night Mustangs played their rescheduled home game against Longford Falcons and it proved a thrilling spectacle for Mustangs supporters.
It was a tight physical encounter in what was a crucial match for both sides. Mustangs, on top of the table undefeated for the season, against Falcons, whose only defeat this season was to Mustangs, meant that this clash would either give Mustangs the league title or both teams would have one defeat each. This was a hard fought battle but the home side remained bonded knowing the prize that was at stake.
The opening quarter ran at full gallop with baskets being exchanged either end of the court and Mustangs scored 24 points to Falcons 22. Indre Majauskaite Guscuiviene scored the impressive two first baskets with some lovely feed by player coach Siobhan Kilkenny off the drive. Kilkenny was unrelenting in her pursuit of the ball and also scoring a stylish pull up three point shot. Point guard, Sinead Hughes, had an energetic display in the quarter, whilst scoring her own impressive three point shot. Fiona Feeney coolly finished off the board following an intelligent bounce pass from Kilkenny.
The second quarter was another tight affair. Louise Harte fought tooth and nail under the boards and was hard stopped with her spectacular post moves and added five to the Mustangs’ tally.
Maria Hall’s entry to the game saw her commit to a brave and steely floor dive to gain possession for the Mustangs. Kilkenny was making frequent trips to the free throw line as Falcons defensive indiscipline couldn’t contain her. Majauskaite-Guscuiviene made another two cool-headed bank shots at the end of the quarter and the home side led by a single point at half time, 43-42.
The third quarter saw Mustangs put some daylight between them and the visitors. Kilkenny had another 10 in the quarter and Hughes showed her grit to score a basket from a tough position under the ring and also claimed the foul in the process, scoring her and one for a three point play. Claire Nolan had a cool finish on a pressurised drive to the basket and Mustangs led at the end of the third, 64-58.
The fourth quarter was low scoring for both sides and despite being up 10 points at a stage in the quarter, Mustangs used the ball wisely and finished the game on a winning score line of 70 points to 64. With the win, Mustangs have claimed their third successive Lonleitros league title win in as many years of playing the league.
Mustangs’ scorers: Siobhan Kilkenny 32pts, Anita Hoban, Cliodhna Mac Cabe, Maria Hall, Claire Nolan 2pts, Indre Majauskaite Guscuiviene 10pts, Karen Mulherin 2pts, Sinead Hughes 11pts, Louise Harte 13pts, Fiona Feeney 2pts.
Mustangs last league game of the season will be next Tuesday in De la Salle with 8.15pm tip off against Boyle. It will be the last chance to see Mustangs at home for the 2019/20 season.
