Maigh Cuilinn 96

Carrick Cruisers 80

Spórtlann Mhichael Mhóir, Leitir Móir, 11 Oct 2025

It was a moment that changed everything. Early in the third quarter, with Maigh Cuilinn trailing by four and the game finely balanced, veteran guard James Loughnane came off a ball screen and buried a three-pointer. On the very next play, young Liam Moloney forced a turnover, and Aitor Perez punished Carrick Cruisers immediately with another three. Carrick’s next possession ended in a 24-second shot clock violation, and seconds later Loughnane hit yet another three, this one sending the home crowd in Leitir Móir into full voice. Another defensive stand forced a second consecutive 24-second violation, and from there, the floodgates opened. Perez drained a mid-range jumper, Carrick fired an airball under pressure, and Ivan Basic coolly knocked down a pull-up jumper on the break — a 13-0 run that flipped the game on its head and gave Maigh Cuilinn a nine-point cushion they would never relinquish.

That explosive sequence was the foundation of a brilliant third quarter in which Maigh Cuilinn outscored Carrick 29–15, turning a six-point halftime deficit into a commanding lead on their way to an impressive 96–80 victory.

The opening stages were tightly contested, with the teams trading scores throughout an entertaining first quarter that ended 20–20. Carrick found their rhythm in the second, spearheaded by American import Keon Edwards, whose athleticism and shooting touch caused early problems. The Texas native, a 6’8” former NCAA Division 1 player with DePaul and Nebraska, showcased his range once again with multiple three-pointers as the visitors took the period 26–20 to lead 46–40 at the break.

Whatever was said in the Maigh Cuilinn dressing room clearly worked. The third quarter saw the home side transform their defensive intensity, closing passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and contesting every shot. That defensive effort sparked their most fluent offensive spell of the season so far. Captain Grant Olsson led by example, attacking relentlessly and finishing the night with a game-high 28 points. Perez followed with 25, including a trio of key long-range efforts that kept the scoreboard ticking during the decisive third-quarter burst.

Loughnane’s 11 points may not leap off the page, but his timing, composure, and leadership were crucial — as were his back-to-back threes that ignited the turnaround. Antonio Molina also added 11 points, while Basic contributed 9 and orchestrated the offence with trademark control. Rory O’Sullivan (5), Dylan Cunningham (3), John Hackett (2), and Moloney (2) all chipped in, with Eoin Cleary, Luka Simovic, and Ray Bonar providing valuable minutes in rotation.

While conceding 80 points means it wasn’t a defensive masterclass, Maigh Cuilinn’s third-quarter lockdown effort — holding Carrick to just 15 points — provided the backbone for their success. Once they found their rhythm, the Connemara men’s confidence surged, and their bench energy, ball movement, and shot-making carried them home to a second straight win to start the season.

The result sees Maigh Cuilinn sitting among the early front-runners in the National League Men’s Division 1 standings, with another major test on the horizon. Next up is a return to the University of Galway Sports Arena next Saturday evening (18 October) when they host Tolka Rovers. The Dublin side have also made a perfect start, recording tight but impressive wins — 88–86 over Ulster University and 101–88 away to Limerick Sport Eagles.

With both teams unbeaten and scoring freely, next weekend’s fixture promises to be another high-octane clash — and if Maigh Cuilinn can bring the same third-quarter fire that carried them past Carrick, the home fans could be in for another memorable night.

Maigh Cuilinn scorers Grant Olsson 28, Aitor Perez 25, James Loughnane 11, Antonio Molina 11, Ivan Basic 9, Rory O’Sullivan 5, Dylan Cunningham 3, John Hackett 2, Liam Moloney 2, Eoin Cleary, Luka Simovic, Ray Bonar.

Categories: Men's Superleague, News