LIMERICK, Ireland (Interstat) — The Limerick Celtics will host the UL Eagles on Friday in a matchup of unbeaten and near-unbeaten teams in Irish basketball. The Celtics enter with a 2-1 record, while the Eagles are 3-0 and arrive as the visiting side after a high-scoring start to the season.

UL Eagles have opened with three straight wins and most recently defeated Eanna Dublin 120-90 in their latest outing. Earlier this season, the Eagles beat Ballincollig 96-67 and earned a 117-78 road victory at St. Vincent’s. The early run has featured strong scoring totals, with the Eagles reaching at least 96 points in each of their first three games. They will look to keep that form going against a Limerick Celtics team playing at home.

Limerick Celtics have won two of their first three games. The Celtics most recently defeated Sligo 75-67 and earlier earned a 98-88 road win at Neptune. Their lone loss came against Ballincollig by a 70-68 margin. Limerick has shown the ability to score in bunches, particularly in the Neptune victory, while also relying on a tighter defensive effort in the Sligo win. The home side will need a balanced performance to slow a UL Eagles offense that has posted big numbers early.

The game offers an early test of positioning between two teams with strong starts. UL Eagles’ perfect record gives them momentum, but Limerick Celtics have won two of three and will have home-court advantage. The Celtics will try to control tempo and limit the Eagles’ transition chances, while UL Eagles will aim to maintain the offensive rhythm that has powered their opening streak. Both teams have games ahead, but the focus for Friday will be on this meeting in Limerick.

The matchup also comes before a busy stretch for both sides. UL Eagles are scheduled to host Sligo next and then travel to UCD Marian, among other upcoming contests. Limerick Celtics are set to visit UCD Marian and Tralee in their next scheduled games. The Celtics’ upcoming schedule includes a home meeting with UCC Demons and a visit to Belfast Star, while the Eagles are also set to face Killester and UCC Demons. That schedule makes Friday’s result a useful early marker for both clubs.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of UL Eagles 95, Limerick Celtics 72. The projection favors the visiting Eagles, who enter with the stronger record and a higher-scoring profile through three games.