IT was a weekend of contrasting fortunes for Galway basketball teams across national competitions, with both Men’s Division One sides tasting success, but Maree and Mystics both suffered defeats in the Men’s and Women’s Super League respectively.

Maigh Cuilinn delivered a scintillating 29-point win over Waterford Vikings, while fellow Galway side Titans secured a comfortable 23-point victory against Tipp Talons. Maree were narrowly beaten 88-85 in a gripping contest away to Belfast Star on Saturday evening; while the University of Galway Mystics are still waiting for their first win of the season after falling to a 33-point trimming at the hands of Liffey Celtics in Leixlip on Saturday night.

There was some joy for Maree on the national scene at the weekend as their U-18 Girls powered their way into the cup semi-finals with a 45-point demolition of Cobh; and they will be joined at the traditional cup semi-finals weekend in Cork by another Galway side, as Maigh Cuilinn took on Titans in their Men’s U-20 Cup quarter-final last night, with the winner advancing to  the semi-finals.

The various leagues take a back-seat to cup action this weekend, with Titans and Mystics both in action, while Maree and Maigh Cuilinn have a rest weekend.

DIVISION 1

Maigh Cuilinn 110

Waterford Vikings 81

Maigh Cuilinn lit up Spórtlann Mhicéal Mhóir in Leitir Móir at the weekend with an emphatic victory over Waterford Vikings to record their fourth win of the season and snap a three-game losing streak.

They brought defensive intensity and offensive flair form the start, and were 20-13 ahead by the end of the first quarter, with Dylan Cunningham and Grant Olsson setting the early tone, scoring five and seven points, respectively.

Maigh Cuilinn continued to push the tempo in the second quarter, threatening to blow Waterford out of the game entirely. Three consecutive three-pointers from Donagh McDonagh, Olsson, and Liam Moloney electrified the home crowd and stretched the lead to 35-19.

Yet, Waterford’s resilience kept the game competitive, with steady scoring from Jay Kavanagh and Aaron Jackson closing the gap to 46-35 at half-time.

The third quarter, a traditional trouble spot for Maigh Cuilinn this season, turned into their most dominant period of the game. Aitor Perez was simply unstoppable, pouring in 18 points during the quarter, including a remarkable stretch of four consecutive three-pointers as the home side outscored Waterford 28-16 in the period, effectively putting the game beyond doubt.

However, there was a setback as Patrick Lyons, making his first appearance of the season, suffered a suspected broken nose and had to leave the game for medical treatment.

The fourth quarter was eventful and bizarre in equal measure. A brief suspension of play due to condensation on the court led to a 15-minute delay as the surface was dried. Later, Waterford head coach Dean Kavanagh was ejected for a double technical foul after excessive complaints to the referees.

Despite these interruptions, the game was marked by a flurry of three-pointers from both sides. Maigh Cuilinn hit six triples in the quarter, while Waterford managed five, keeping the scoreline lively. Waterford battled valiantly to cut the deficit to 12 points midway through the quarter, but Maigh Cuilinn’s depth and shooting proved insurmountable.

Pictured: Viktor Tashev shoots from deep for Titans in their win over Tipp Talons at the weekend. Photo courtesy Titans BC.