Mixed fortunes for Maigh Cuilinn and Titans in Division One league action
IT was a packed weekend of basketball action for Galway teams as all four in senior national competition had home fixtures over last Saturday and Sunday.
The most dramatic moment of the weekend came in the Men’s National League, where Titans secured a sensational 75-72 win over Malahide in a nail-biting encounter. Trailing by three points with less than a minute to play, Titans kept their composure when it mattered most. Former Irish U-18 captain Declan Gbignie drained a crucial three-pointer to tie the game, silencing the traveling Malahide supporters.
Malahide had a chance to respond, but their star player Romonn Nelson missed on the next possession. Titans’ Michael Paul Hayes grabbed the rebound, was fouled, and stepped up to the free-throw line under immense pressure. Hayes delivered, converting both free throws to put Titans ahead.
A technical foul on Malahide for referee complaints added to their woes, giving Hayes an additional free throw, which he also made. Malahide’s last-gasp final three-point attempt fell short, and Titans celebrated a hard-fought victory, demonstrating their mettle in the tightest of contests.
The win leaves the sides sitting third in the table with a 6-2 win-loss record ahead of this Saturday’s game, which see them host Tipp Talons in Ballinfoile in the city (7pm).
In the Men’s Super League, Maree steadied the ship after a tough loss the weekend before in Cork to UCC Demons with a solid 78-73 home win over UCD Marian. Playing in front of their fans in Calasanctius College in Oranmore, Maree were led by a stellar performance from their American guard Jarret Haines, who poured in 32 points.
Support came from Bernat Vanaclocha and new US important Joshua McGettigan, who combined for 36 points, keeping Maree’s season ticking along with a 4-4 record. They are on the road this weekend, facing the long trek to the north to take on Belfast Star on Saturday (6.30pm).
Meanwhile, Maigh Cuilinn had a tougher outing in their Men’s National League clash against Drogheda Wolves. Playing at the University of Galway Kingfisher, Maigh Cuilinn started brightly, edging into a 20-17 lead after the first quarter behind the scoring efforts of Grant Olsson and James Loughnane. However, their struggles to control the boards against a physical Wolves side soon became apparent.
Pictured: James Loughnane who was on the scoresheet for Maigh Cuilinn.