Senior team win the first BNI Shield Mourne 54 – 42 UU Tigers Men’s Division 3 Shield – 02/03/2025 Location: Belfast Mourne BC Cruise to Victory in Belfast! What a day to be a Mourne BC fan! The lads stormed into Belfast, bossed the first quarter, and never looked back, sealing a 54-42 win over University Ulster Tigers. Sure, the Tigers tried to claw their way back in the second half, but let’s be honest—this game was wrapped up early. Mourne came out firing on all cylinders, putting up 16 points in the first quarter while the Tigers barely managed five. You could tell from the get-go that Mourne meant business. The defense was tight, the ball movement was smooth, and the Tigers looked like they’d accidentally shown up to the wrong sport. The second half saw Ulster fight back, but by then, it was more of a formality than a comeback threat. Mourne just kept things calm, soaked up the pressure, and saw out the win like a team that’s been here before. Quarter Breakdown (A Masterclass in Front-Running) • Q1: Mourne BC 16 – 5 Ulster Tigers (Pure domination.) • Q2: Mourne BC 15 – 12 Ulster Tigers (Keeping the lead safe.) • Q3: Mourne BC 11 – 11 Ulster Tigers (Balanced, no stress.) • Q4: Mourne BC 12 – 14 Ulster Tigers (A little dip, but nothing major.) At no point did the Tigers really threaten to flip the script. Mourne controlled the pace, picked their shots, and played smart. Heroes of the Day: Mourne BC (Kings of the Court): • R. McVeigh – An absolute rock in defense and chipped in with some key baskets. • C. Tumelty & O. Cullen – Consistent and reliable, doing the dirty work and keeping the scoreboard ticking. • Captain M. McCabe – Led by example, kept the lads disciplined, and made sure there were no slip-ups. University Ulster Tigers (The Outmatched Underdogs): • P. McGuigan & G. Pena – Tried to rally the team, but the early hole was too deep. • K. Tenizo – Aggressive, but fouls cost him. • T. Adeyemi & D. Reyes – Showed some fight, but Mourne’s first-half dominance was too much. Turning Point: The First Quarter Beatdown Let’s be real—this game was won in the first ten minutes. While Mourne were knocking down shots and moving the ball like a well-oiled machine, the Tigers were out there throwing bricks and turning the ball over like they were allergic to offense. By the time they figured out how to score, Mourne had built an unshakable lead. Final Thoughts (AKA: Why Mourne BC Are Built Different) This was a professional performance—get in early, dominate, and manage the lead like seasoned pros. Mourne BC never let the pressure get to them, stayed composed, and left Belfast with a well-earned win. If this is how we’re playing already, the rest of the division better watch out. On to the next one! Back

Mourne take their first home win of the season Mourne 50 – 33 Bulls Mourne BC Dominates with a 17-Point Victory! In a thrilling basketball showdown at Ballymote Sports Centre in Northern Ireland, Mourne BC emerged as triumphant victors with a commanding 17-point lead over the Belfast Bulls Basketball team. The match showcased the skill and determination of both teams, but it was Mourne BC who dominated the court, reaching a staggering 21-point difference at their peak. Notably, Belfast Bulls Basketball managed to sink 2 impressive 3-point shots, while Mourne BC showcased their shooting prowess with an impressive 5 successful 3-point shots. The local team’s victory was a testament to their exceptional performance and unwavering tenacity throughout the match. The atmosphere in Ballymote Sports Centre was electrifying as the battle between Mourne BC and Belfast Bulls Basketball unfolded. From the very beginning, Mourne BC showcased their dominance, leaving the visitors in awe. The first period set the tone, with a resounding 19-3 lead for the local team. Mark McCabe and Ryan McVeigh led the charge for Mourne BC, both contributing 7 points each. The second period saw a valiant effort from the Belfast Bulls Basketball, with Karl McGeough and Sean Mcilvenny stepping up their game. However, it was Kian Wilson of Mourne BC who stole the show, tallying 6 crucial points. As the third period commenced, the visitors fought back, led by Marc Mulholland’s impressive 8 points. But the resilient Mourne BC refused to back down, with Daithi Rogan adding 2 more points to their tally. In the final period, both teams gave it their all, but Mourne BC’s Oisin Cullen and Michael McCabe sealed the deal with 6 points apiece. With a final score of 50-33, Mourne BC emerged triumphant, solidifying their dominance on the court. Kian Wilson, Ryan McVeigh, and Michael McCabe stood out for the local team, showcasing their skills and contributing to the victory. Despite their efforts, Karl McGeough and Sean Mcilvenny of the Belfast Bulls Basketball couldn’t turn the tide in their favor. The match was a testament to Mourne BC’s unwavering determination and exceptional performance, securing their well-deserved victory.   Mourne Top Scorers: Kian Wilson 13, Ryan McVeigh 11, Michael McCabe 8, Mark McCabe 7, Oisín Cullen 7 The Mourne Men are away to Crumlin to face a familiar foe in Antrim Jets next Tuesday 5th November @ 7:15pm     Back

Mourne men fall to an organised Star side Mourne 57 – 67 Belfast Star   Belfast Star dominates Mourne BC with a score of 67-57! The basketball court at St Malachys College, witnessed an electrifying match on October 17, 2024. The local team, Belfast Star, showcased their superiority by reaching a staggering 22-point lead, while Mourne BC’s highest point difference was a mere 2. Both teams engaged in a fierce competition, with the score tied 5 times and lead changes occurring 3 times. Belfast Star displayed their shooting prowess by sinking 4 impressive 3-point shots, while Mourne BC managed to score 3. It was an enthralling battle that left the crowd on the edge of their seats! The basketball match between Belfast Star and Mourne BC was an intense battle from start to finish. In the first period, Belfast Star took an early lead, with Cormac O’Rourke showcasing his scoring prowess with / points, including a spectacular 3-point shot. However, Mourne BC’s Michael McCabe was not far behind, contributing 6 points to keep his team in the game. As the second period unfolded, Belfast Star continued to dominate, with Conor Cooke stepping up his game and adding 7 crucial points to their tally. The score seesawed back and forth, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for the lead. But it was Belfast Star who ultimately emerged victorious, ending the period with a commanding 39-27 advantage. The third period saw Belfast Star further extend their lead, thanks to the exceptional performance of Ruairi Doran, who contributed 8 points with his flawless shooting. Despite Ryan McVeigh’s valiant efforts for Mourne BC, the gap continued to widen, with Belfast Star leading 59-40 at the end of the period. In the final period, Mourne BC made a spirited comeback, outscoring Belfast Star 17-8. Ryan McVeigh continued to shine, adding 5 more points to his team’s total. However, it was not enough to overcome Belfast Star’s dominance. Ultimately, Belfast Star emerged triumphant with a final score of 67-57. The match showcased the outstanding performances of Belfast Star’s Cormac O’Rourke and Conor Cooke, who both contributed 14 points to their team’s victory. Despite the valiant efforts of Mourne BC’s David Wylie and Ryan McVeigh, who scored 14 and 12 points respectively, their team fell short in the face of Belfast Star’s relentless determination. It was a thrilling match that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last second!   Mourne Top Scorers: David Wylie 14, Ryan McVeigh 12, Michael McCabe 9, Anthony Green 6 The Mourne Men are at home to Belfast Bulls next Friday 15th @ 8:00pm     Back

Mourne suffer their 1st defeat of the season Mourne 48 – Hawks 70 This home game our match ball was sponsored by  Rory Mullen Physio. If you would like to sponsor a match ball. Please reach our via our contact form. Hazelwood Hawks Dominate with a 22-Point Victory! In a thrilling basketball match held at Ballymote Sports Centre in Northern Ireland, the Hazelwood Hawks  proved their dominance by defeating the Mourne Men with a significant 22-point difference. The visitors showcased their exceptional skills, maintaining a commanding lead throughout the game. With an impressive 25-point lead at their peak, the Hawks left no room for doubt about their superiority on the court. Both teams displayed their long-range shooting abilities, with each team sinking three 3-point shots. Get ready to dive into the intense moments of this exhilarating match! The atmosphere inside Ballymote Sports Centre was electric as the Mourne Men and Hazelwood Hawks clashed in a battle for basketball supremacy. From the very beginning, it was clear that both teams were hungry for victory. In the first period, the Hawks took an early lead, led by the performances of Hamed Adetobi Obalanlege, Klaudiijus Kasparavicius, and Scott Mcllwaine. However, the Mourne Men fought back in the second period, with Anthony Green and Ryan McVeigh leading the charge. As the game reached its halfway point, the Hawks maintained a comfortable lead, with Scott Mcllwaine continuing to dominate the court. The third period saw a remarkable display of skill from both teams, but it was the Hawks who truly shined. Hamed Adetobi Obalanlege showcased his scoring prowess, while Mark McCabe impressed for Mourne. Heading into the final period, the Hawks held a commanding lead, and they showed no signs of slowing down. Klaudiijus Kasparavicius and Emanuil Zashev contributed crucial points, while Oisin Cullen and David Wylie fought valiantly for Mourne. In the end, it was the Hazelwood Hawks  who emerged victorious, securing a resounding 70-48 win. The Hawks’ Scott Mcllwaine proved to be a force to be reckoned with, leading his team to triumph with 14 points. Hamed Adetobi Obalanlege and Klaudijus Kasparavicius also played pivotal roles, showcasing their skills and contributing significantly to the Hawks’ success. While the Mourne Men put up a valiant effort, it was the Hazelwood Hawks  who ultimately claimed the title of champions in this exhilarating basketball match.     Mourne Top Scorers: Mark McCabe 10, Ryan McVeigh 10, David Wylie 7, Oisin Cullen 7 The Mourne Men take a trip up to Belfast to play Star, another new team within the Division.   Back

1st Win of the Season Mourne 63 – Lugan 33 Match Report Mourne Basketball Senior Men’s team kicked off their new league season in style with a comfortable victory over Lurgan Lakers 1 last Wednesday night.  Looking to progress from their superb second place league finish last season, Mourne have introduced some new players and are hoping to go one better in this campaign with the aim of bringing back some silverware to the East Down area.  Despite some new faces, it was their experience that dominated the proceedings early on in this contest. David Wylie feasted on the undersized Lurgan team to establish his presence with three consecutive scores and buit an early Mourne advantage.  Mourne put the contest to bed early in the second quarter with a suffocating full court press that caused issues for the Lurgan guards. Mourne reaped the rewards of their defence by creating some easy turnover scores for Wylie and Conor Tumelty. New addition Oisin Cullen played his part adding four points of his own and showcased his athleticism of the defensive end with a highlight reel block to deny a well worked Lurgan scoring opportunity late in the frame.  Taking a 21 point lead in to the third quarter, the affair became more about game management and coach Michael McCabe took the opportunity to rotate his sizeable squad. Daithi Rogan and Connaire McParlan made their team debuts for the Mourne team and brought some pace to the side. The two created some fantastic scores and combined well for Rogan’s first basket at the end of the third.  The fourth quarter followed the same pattern of play, though Lurgan guard Adam Lavery was not going down without a fight. He hit several mid range shots, leading his side in scoring with 13 points overall. The game ended with Tumelty and Ryan McVeigh creating easy scores for each other and the side made it a return journey taking home the spoils in brilliant fashion.  Mourne have their first home game of the season this Friday 11th October at 8.15pm at their new home court at Ballymote Centre, Downpatrick. Mourne will be hoping for an inaugural victory against league new boys Hazelwood Hawks. All support is welcome.   Mourne Top Scorers: David Wylie 14, Conor Tumelty and Mark McCabe 11 Back