Maigh Cuilinn’s December revival gathered further pace in Tallaght on Saturday evening as they produced a disciplined and assured performance to defeat Templeogue 83–77, marking their third consecutive victory and strengthening their position in an increasingly competitive National League play-off race.
The visitors wasted little time asserting themselves. In a lively opening quarter that saw both teams find early rhythm, Maigh Cuilinn edged ahead 28–24, driven by sharp execution from John Hackett, Dylan Cunningham and Antonio Molina.
Hackett, who continues to grow in confidence at this level, proved especially effective. Identifying the opportunity presented by the physical, but less mobile Conor Gallagher at centre for Templeogue, he repeatedly stepped into space to hit long two-pointers and a first-half three, stretching the defence and forcing adjustments that opened the floor for his teammates.
By the interval, Maigh Cuilinn held a 46–37 advantage, having claimed the second quarter 18–13 through controlled possessions and well-structured defence. Hackett’s 12 points before the break, combined with his ability to move the ball under pressure, anchored the visitors on both ends. Templeogue, struggled to break down Maigh Cuilinn’s defence with any sustained continuity in the half court.
Midway through the third quarter, that grip tightened. When Liam Moloney converted two free throws to extend the lead to 57–43, Maigh Cuilinn appeared firmly in the ascendency. But Templeogue, whose season has been marked by narrow defeats rather than poor play, summoned the resilience that has kept them competitive throughout the campaign. Led by American guard Evan Cook, who hit nine points in the period, the Dublin side pieced together a determined run to bring the game back to 65–57 entering the final quarter — a margin that suddenly felt far less secure than it had minutes earlier.
The fourth quarter brought the tension expected of two sides searching for momentum before the Christmas break, but Maigh Cuilinn responded with maturity rather than panic. Grant Olsson and Ivan Basic combined for 13 points across the period, scoring at timely moments whenever Templeogue threatened to close within striking distance. Their contributions were not confined to late heroics; they were woven throughout the quarter, steadying the visitors each time the home crowd began to sense an opening.
The decisive play arrived inside the final minute. Antonio Molina, who had been composed throughout, drove strongly into the heart of the defence before slipping a well-weighted pass to a cutting Olsson, who finished calmly to restore a two-possession margin. From there, Maigh Cuilinn controlled the tempo, defended without fouling and secured a deserved victory built on balance, composure and clear improvement across the roster.
The win marks a significant milestone for a team that only a few weeks ago was struggling to convert performances into results. The confidence in execution, the defensive cohesion and the spread of scoring all point to a squad that has rediscovered its sense of purpose just as the National League season approaches its midpoint.
Maigh Cuilinn now enter a scheduled weekend break before their next planned fixture on December 27, a home tie with Killarney Lakers at the University of Galway Sports Arena. That game, however, is currently under discussion between the clubs and may be postponed, with confirmation expected shortly on MoycullenBasketball.net
