Wolves Tested and Rewarded in National League Double-Header

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**BC Wolves 47–69 Ulster University**
**BC Wolves 71–67 Affinity Cavan Eagles**

BC Wolves gained their first real taste of National League-level basketball during a demanding pre-season double-header at Ulster University Jordanstown on Saturday.

The Mid Ulster side faced two teams preparing for higher divisions, with Ulster University competing in National League Division 1 and Affinity Cavan Eagles in Division 2.

Although the games were friendlies, there was no shortage of competitive intensity. All three teams were missing players and experimenting with different rotations, combinations and tactical options—but everyone still wanted to win.

Ulster University’s physical advantage proves decisive

Wolves opened the day against a strong and physical Ulster University side.

The visitors remained within reach during the first half, trailing 29–21 at the interval, but Ulster gradually took control after the break before completing a 69–47 victory.

The hosts’ dominance around the basket proved decisive. Ulster won the rebounding battle 42–28, repeatedly creating second and sometimes third opportunities. Their physical pressure also contributed to 22 Wolves turnovers.

There were positive signs in the Wolves’ attacking performance, particularly their 55% conversion rate from two-point range, but fundamental mistakes and a lack of defensive rebounding prevented them from remaining close during the final stages.

Youth players Pijus Januškevičius and Adomas Vaitkaitis led the Wolves’ scoring.

Januškevičius, still an U17 player, finished with a team-high 13 points and converted three of his five three-point attempts. U20 player Vaitkaitis added nine points and three rebounds.

For several Wolves players, this was their first experience against National League Division 1 opposition after previously competing only in local basketball. The opportunity provided an important indication of the physicality, decision-making and consistency required at the next level.

Wolves produce remarkable fourth-quarter comeback

Following only a short break, Wolves returned to the court to face Division 2 side Affinity Cavan Eagles.

Wolves made the stronger start and led 21–15 after the opening quarter, but Cavan responded to take a 34–32 advantage into half-time. A difficult third period then left Wolves trailing 55–44 going into the final quarter, having fallen as many as 15 points behind.

What followed was the strongest basketball Wolves produced all day.

Led by the experience of Richard Berzins and James McGregor, Wolves increased their defensive pressure, forced turnovers and began attacking with greater purpose. A remarkable 27–12 fourth quarter completely changed the contest and secured a 71–67 victory.

McGregor delivered an outstanding offensive performance, finishing with 19 points. He was perfect from two-point range and the free-throw line while converting three of his five three-point attempts.

Berzins influenced almost every area of the game, recording nine points, six rebounds, five assists and seven steals. His leadership and defensive intensity were crucial during the comeback.

The scoring was also well distributed. Vaitkaitis, Januškevičius and Aidenas Paskauskas each contributed 11 points, while Wolves finished with 16 assists and 21 steals. Their pressure helped force Cavan into 23 turnovers.

Cavan’s Fritz Hauser led all scorers with 25 points, while Rokas Rimkus added 19, but Wolves’ final-quarter energy ultimately proved decisive.

Experience before the BIDL season

The double-header offered Wolves both a warning and encouragement ahead of their first BIDL National League campaign.

Ulster University demonstrated how costly missed fundamentals can become against stronger opposition. The response against Cavan, however, showed the character, depth and resilience developing within the squad.

Head coach Rolandas Bartkus said:

> “Even though it was a friendly tournament, this was our first real taste of National League-level basketball. Both Ulster University and Cavan compete in higher divisions, so it was a great experience for our players.

> “It was brilliant to see Pijus, as an U17 player, leading our scoring in the first game and then James, one of our veteran players, leading us in the second. Having young players developing alongside experienced players is exactly what the BIDL is about.

> “We know that there are many things we must improve, particularly our rebounding and fundamental actions, but the character shown during the comeback against Cavan was exceptional.”

BC Wolves would like to thank Ulster University for hosting the event and providing the club with such a valuable pre-season opportunity.

The Wolves’ historic BIDL season begins in two weeks, when last season’s runners-up UCD Marian visit Cookstown Leisure Centre on Saturday, 3 October. Tip-off is scheduled for 14:30.

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