Accomplished Eagles Down Third-Placed Brunell
McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles delivered one of their most accomplished performances of the season on the road, overcoming third-placed Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell by 75–67 at the Parochial Hall, Cork.
The result saw the Eagles reverse a 55-72 defeat from the second game of the campaign last October and provided a timely boost for the eighth-placed side as the league enters a crucial phase.
The contest was gripping from the outset, developing into a high-quality, end-to-end encounter that featured 12 lead changes and nine ties. While Brunell converted five three-pointers, the Eagles’ accuracy from long range proved decisive, as they knocked down an impressive 11 shots from beyond the arc.
A tightly contested opening quarter set the tone, with both sides trading scores in an intense battle for early control. Maddie Cluse was prominent for the hosts, while Niamh Tolan provided composure for the visitors as the Eagles edged the first period 16–14.
Brunell responded in the second quarter, finding momentum through Cluse’s scoring to establish a narrow 38–37 advantage at the interval. With home support behind them, the Cork side appeared poised to replicate their earlier-season success over the Cavan outfit.
The turning point came after the break. McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles emerged with renewed purpose in the third quarter, repeatedly nudging their noses in front despite sustained resistance from Brunell. That resilience was emphatically rewarded in the final period, where the Eagles asserted control at both ends of the floor, outscoring their hosts 21–7 to pull clear.
Mazzie Harris led the way with an outstanding all-round display, posting a dominant double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds, complemented by four blocks and a superb efficiency rating of 35. Soleil Barnes was equally influential, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Sophie Staunton delivered a crucial contribution with eight points, including two timely three-pointers that swung momentum decisively in the Eagles’ favour.
Strong support came from Katie O’Sullivan, who finished with 12 points and five assists, Alex Mulligan with 10 points, four rebounds and four steals, and Niamh Tolan, who added 12 points and nine rebounds in a tireless performance.
For Brunell, Maddie Cluse led all scorers for the hosts with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Irish senior international captain Edel Thornton added 15 points, while Megan O’Leary contributed 12.
The Eagles now enjoy a free weekend before returning to action away to Portlaoise on January 24, for what promises to be another entertaining game.
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