University of Galway Mystics were defeated 73-61 by league leaders Cleveland Rockets on Saturday (31st January 2026) in a tightly contested game, with Mystics winning the second and third quarters before a strong final quarter sealed the result for the visitors.
Rockets made a strong start, taking control in the opening quarter to lead 27-17. Recent addition Alyssa Jimenez made an impact for the visitors, scoring eight points in the first period. Mystics’ captain Emma Glavin also scored eight points to help keep the home side in contention.
The game tightened in the second quarter, with Mystics winning it 16-13 to reduce the half-time deficit to 40–33. That momentum carried into a very close third quarter, with Mystics continuing to challenge the visiting team. Mystics won the quarter 18-16, leaving Rockets with a 56-51 advantage heading into the final ten minutes.
The final quarter remained highly competitive, with Mystics leading 57-56 at just six minutes remaining. Despite Mystics’ continued challenge, Rockets pulled away in the closing minutes to seal a decisive win.
Mystics’ top scorers were Emma Glavin with 25 points, Bella Quinn with 10, and Demetra Yennari on eight. Glavin’s performance on Saturday further underlined her status as the leading Irish scorer in Division One this season.
Jimenez was the standout player for Rockets with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds, with Georgie McGrath adding a further 16 points to their score.
Reflecting on the game, Head Coach Paul Langan said “While it was disappointing that we didn’t come away with a win, our players fought hard as a team. We pulled it back in the fourth quarter, but credit to Breda Dick’s side who secured the win with some solid shooting. Mystics are finishing the season strong, and I’m very proud of their resolve”.
Saturday’s result leaves Mystics seventh in the league table. In a competition dominated by international professional players, Mystics are the only side without a professional on their roster, making their ranking a significant achievement for a squad made up entirely of players living, working, and studying in the region.
University of Galway Mystics return to action this Saturday, 8 February, when they host Division One National Cup winners Limerick Sport Huskies at 4pm in the Kingfisher.
