University of Galway Mystics were beaten 76–60 by Templeogue in their final home game of the regular season on Sunday, 8 March, but both sides will be advancing to the Domino’s Women’s Division One play-offs later this month. Mystics made an impressive start, taking control in the opening quarter to lead 19-9. Kara McCleane set the tone early with seven points, while Emma Glavin added six as the home side established momentum.
Templeogue responded strongly in the second period, however, with Hannah Murphy leading the scoring with eight points. The visitors edged ahead before the break to take the lead at half-time with a score of 34-31. Templeogue’s Sofia Paska dominated their effort in the third quarter with 11 points. Despite Mystics fighting back, led by Emma Glavin with eight points, Templeogue regained control, ending the period 58-48. Both teams continued to trade scores in the fourth quarter. Paska added a further six points for Templeogue, while Mystics responded through McCleane, Glavin and Bella Quinn, who scored five, four and three points respectively. Despite a determined effort from the home side - including eight three-pointers throughout the game - Templeogue held firm to take the win 76-60.
Glavin led the scoring for Mystics with 18 points, followed closely by McCleane with 17 and Quinn with 12. Paska delivered a standout performance for Templeogue, finishing with 25 points and 19 rebounds.
“While we’re disappointed to lose today, we are very pleased to have secured an eighth-place finish and a spot in the play-offs,” said University of Galway Mystics Head Coach, Paul Langan.
“We are the only team in the league that has chosen to compete without a paid professional player, so finishing ahead of two other teams is a huge accomplishment. Whatever happens in the playoffs, this season has laid a really positive foundation, and we’re already looking forward to building on that progress next year. It’s been a strong start, and there is plenty more to come from this team.”
Mystics now turn their attention to the play-offs, where they will face the Cleveland Rockets in Belfast on Saturday, 21 March.
Photo caption: University of Galway Mystics player Ellie Glavin goes for a score in the Basketball Ireland Domino’s Division One game against Templeogue on Sunday afternoon in the Kingfisher. (Photo Credit: John O’Brien)
