Dave Ahern reports how despite a massive 40 points contribution from hotshot Kani Glover, Killarey Cougars lost out on a 98-84 scoreline to Moycullen in the men’s national basketball league encounter
The Killarney Cougars travelled to Leitir Móir in Galway, on Saturday evening for their first-ever national league clash with Moycullen.
The former SuperLeague side played at a high tempo from the outset, putting immediate pressure on the visitors. Their ability to bring key scores off the bench at critical moments gave them a decisive edge throughout the game.
The first quarter was a tight affair, with Moycullen just edging it 27-26. However, costly turnovers from the Cougars allowed Moycullen to capitalize quickly, with Ivan Basic and Antonio Calvente punishing these mistakes to open up a lead.
Despite this, Killarney remained competitive, with Joshua Strongman scoring eight points in the opening period. Kani Glover also kept the Cougars in touch, sinking three three-pointers to notch 15 points.
Moycullen’s Aitor Perez Munoz proved dominant on the boards and added two three-pointers of his own to maintain the home side’s narrow advantage at the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Cougars initially found their rhythm. A Nathan Cox three-pointer gave them the lead, which they extended to 34-30 midway through the period.
Kani Glover continued to impress, proving a handful for Moycullen’s defence. However, Moycullen quickly adjusted, tightening their defense on Glover and regaining the lead by half-time, 48-36, as the Cougars struggled to maintain their early momentum.
Moycullen controlled the third quarter, limiting Glover’s influence and outplaying the Cougars on both ends of the court.
Munoz hit two more big three-pointers and Moycullen’s defense dominated the boards, stifling the Cougars’ offence. Five three-pointers from the home side during this period helped them build a commanding 78-50 lead going into the final quarter.
Despite a spirited effort from the Cougars in the closing stages, with Glover adding to his tally to finish with an impressive 40 points, Moycullen’s superior scoring depth kept them comfortably ahead.
Moycullen finished the game as clear winners, handing Killarney a tough defeat in their first ever National League clash. The Cougars will need to regroup ahead of the weekend derby clash with Scotts Lakers at the Presentation Gym.
Top scorers:
Killarney Cougars: Kani Glover 40, Joshua Strongman: 23, Nathan Cox: eight, Andrew Fitzgerald: six
Moycullen: Aitor Perez Munoz: 20, Ivan Basic: 16, Antonio Molina Calvente: 14, Dylan Cunningham: 11
Next up a double header weekend with games against Scott’s Lakers on Saturday night (7.30pm) and Limerick Celtics on bank holiday Monday.
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