DATE: Saturday, 13 December 2025
VENUE: TUD Tallaght, Dublin
SCORE:  Templeogue 77 – Maigh Cuilinn 83

Maigh Cuilinn continued their impressive December resurgence on Saturday evening, securing an 83–77 road win over Templeogue to extend their winning streak to three games and strengthen their growing push toward the National League playoff positions.

In a fast-paced and entertaining opening quarter, Maigh Cuilinn edged ahead 28–24 thanks to sharp, confident play from John Hackett, Dylan Cunningham and Antonio Molina. Hackett, in particular, took full advantage of the match-up presented by Templeogue’s sizeable but less mobile centre, Conor Gallagher. Operating with freedom from mid-range and beyond, Hackett punished the space afforded to him, knocking down a pair of long two-pointers and a three-pointer in the first half alone to keep Maigh Cuilinn’s offence flowing.

The visitors pushed further ahead in the second quarter, winning it 18–13 to carry a 46–37 advantage into the interval. Hackett’s 12 first-half points, along with his composure as a passer, were central to Maigh Cuilinn’s control of the game. Defensively, the team showed good organisation and discipline, forcing Templeogue into difficult shots and ensuring their usually potent guard unit struggled to build fluidity.

When Liam Moloney calmly sank two free throws midway through the third quarter to push the margin to 57–43, Maigh Cuilinn’s grip on proceedings appeared firm. Yet Templeogue, celebrating their 50th anniversary this season, showed real resilience. American guard Evan Cook, one of the league’s top scorers, caught fire for nine points in the period and spearheaded a late surge that trimmed the deficit to 65–57 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth proved tense and hard fought. With momentum behind them and a strong home crowd urging them on, Templeogue threatened on multiple occasions to make it a one-possession game. But Maigh Cuilinn’s poise shone through when it mattered most. Grant Olsson and Ivan Basic combined for 13 points across the final ten minutes, offering a steadying presence each time Templeogue applied pressure. Their scoring was spread throughout the quarter, repeatedly halting Templeogue’s attempts to claw within striking distance.

The defining moment arrived in the final minute. After a strong drive by Antonio Molina, he slipped a clever pass to Olsson cutting down the lane, and Olsson finished the layup to restore crucial breathing room. From there, Maigh Cuilinn managed the final possessions with control, rebounded strongly, and closed out a deserved victory.

It was another balanced, team-oriented performance, marked by discipline, rebounding strength and vital scoring contributions spread throughout the roster. Most importantly, Maigh Cuilinn again displayed the confidence and resolve that had eluded them during their difficult spell earlier this season.

The group now enters a scheduled weekend off before their next planned outing: a home fixture against Killarney Lakers on 27 December at the University of Galway Sports Arena.  What is certain is that Maigh Cuilinn will enjoy Christmas in far better shape than it looked a month ago, belief renewed and the playoff chase very much alive.

Maigh Cuilinn scorers: Grant Olsson 23, John Hackett 17, Ivan Basic 11, Antonio Molina 9, Brendan Hardiman 7, Dylan Cunningham 6, Rory O’Sullivan 4, Liam Moloney 4, Stephen Tummon 2, James Loughnane

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