Maigh Cuilinn’s final possession in this gripping contest on the road against Templeogue could have been a metaphor for their entire season – some really nice play, lots of players involved but ultimately (and somewhat cruelly) just not quite good enough.
As Aitor Perez’s open three point look on the buzzer sailed through the air, it looked for all the world like it was good. It was inches off however and with those margins lies the difference in sports.
The ball bounced front ring then back ring then out, falling to the floor as the final buzzer sounded both on the game and Maigh Cuilinn’s hopes of survival in the Basketball Ireland Men’s Superleague.
The 66 to 64 loss makes it impossible for Maigh Cuilinn to now surpass Neptune of Cork in the final weekend of the season as, while the Galway club could tie Neptune’s win loss record, the Cork City outfit has the head to head in the pairing and so will finish ahead in those circumstances.
It means that next weekend’s home game for Maigh Cuilinn against Tralee Warriors marks the last Superleague game for the club until at least the 2025/2026 season. Maigh Cuilinn, who has enjoyed thirteen seasons in total at the very top flight of Irish men’s basketball (being the first Galway club ever to reach it), will return to the lower National League next season.
Maigh Cuilinn Scorers: Grant Olsson 19, Connor Dickerson 15, Ivan Basic 8, James Connaire 8, Aitor Perez 6, Patrick Lyons 4, Antonio Molina 4, Kevin Nugent, Joe Tummon, Kyle Cunningham, Dylan Cunningham, Donagh McDonagh.