University of Galway Mystics confirmed their place in the end-of-season playoffs with a commanding home victory over Moy Tolka Rovers on Saturday afternoon at the Kingfisher. Mystics produced a high-energy performance from the outset and won on a final score of 85-55, having led by 40 points at one stage during the final quarter.
The game was intense from the start, with Mystics winning the first quarter 20-17, before taking control in the second quarter. A strong 26-13 run, combined with some excellent scoring from Emma Glavin and Isabella Quinn, saw Mystics extend their advantage to 46-30 by halftime. Mystics maintained their momentum after the break, with Kara McCleane contributing nine points, helping to stretch their lead to 73-38 heading into the final period.
Tolka Rovers rallied well in the final quarter, outscoring Mystics 17-12, largely thanks to Naomi Farrington’s 10 points. However, it wasn’t enough to make up for the earlier deficit and Mystics took the win. McCleane finished the game with a double-double of 23 points and 17 rebounds. Glavin added 21 points, with Quinn and Demetra Yennari contributing a further 14 and 11 points respectively. Farrington was the top scorer for Tolka Rovers with 18 points, followed by Dane Bertolina on 15.
The result keeps Mystics in eighth position in the Dominos Division One League standings and guarantees their place in the end-of-season playoffs, where they are likely to face league leaders Cleveland Rockets. Mystics conclude their regular season with a home fixture against Templeogue on Sunday, 8th March, with tip-off at 3 pm in Kingfisher University of Galway.
Photo: The University of Galway Mystics team vs Moy Tolka Rovers - Back Row (L to R): Paul Langan, Head Coach, Gemma Brennan, Anne O’Brien, Claire Hickey, Caoimhe Keogh, Emma Glavin, Erin Dillon, Eabheann Conneely, Karolina Gierszal, Lala Lopez Morera, Aoibhín Connolly. Front Row (L to R): Demetra Yennari, Ellie Glavin, Kara McCleane, Georgia Munnelly, Lily Hynes, Bella Quinn. (Photo: Olivia Sasse)
