University of Galway Mystics boosted their end-of-season playoff ambitions with a decisive away victory over Abbey Seals Dublin Lions in Clondalkin on Saturday afternoon (21st February 2025).
The game finished 84-68, with Mystics scoring an impressive 13 three-pointers compared to Dublin Lions three.
Mystics set the tone early, finishing the first quarter 24-14 ahead, led by Kara McCleane with 12 points. Dublin Lions fought back in the second quarter, with 11 points from Emily Smyth, tying the game 41-41 by half-time.
The Galway side regained control after the break with a 26-12 run during the third quarter, and McCleane adding a further eight points. The final quarter was a tough battle between the two teams, but Mystics maintained their lead to take home the win.
McCleane finished with an outstanding double-double of 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Isabella Quinn and Emma Glavin added a further 20 points and 18 points respectively. Sinead Keane was the top scorer for Dublin Lions with her own double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds.
The result leaves Mystics in eighth place in the Dominos Division One League standings.
Reflecting on the game, Head Coach Paul Langan said “I'm delighted with the win. We started well, stretching out to 24-14 in the first quarter. Credit to Dublin Lions who fought back to tie the game at half time, but our tenacity, determination and teamwork - all the way from our starting five down the entire bench - showed how much we wanted it.”
“As the only team in the league without a professional player, we are in eighth place, and with the playoffs in sight, I'm very proud of what we've managed to accomplish this season.” he added.
“We have now played 23 players this year, eight more than any other team in the league. This will stand us well in the long-term. We would love to see strong support from the Galway basketball community for our final home games of the season over the next two weeks.”
University of Galway Mystics return home this Saturday, 28th February, when they face Moy Tolka Rovers at 3.30pm in the Kingfisher University of Galway.
They close out the regular season at home on Sunday, 8th March against Templeogue, with added family rivalry as Kara McCleane lines up against her twin sister Ava.
- Photo - Back Row (L to R): Paul Langan, Head Coach, Emma Glavin, Olivia Sasse, Georgia Munnelly, Eabheann Conneely, Erin Dillon, Karolina Gierszal, Lala Lopez Morera. Front Row (L to R): Lily Hynes, Kara McCleane, Catherine McCreanor, Ellie Glavin, Bella Quinn.
