Manchester falls just short after a tough battle in the Super League Basketball Trophy.

Forward Isaih Moore was again a standout for Manchester putting up 16pts shooting 87% from the field. Moore dominated the paint with his impactive dunking. Forward DJ Mitchell was also impressive for the hosts recording 13 points as well as 2 blocks from the bench.

Manchester looked to make life difficult for Caledonia by playing high intensity defence and quick transition offence. They were efficient from beyond the arch shooting 39%. These are all positives that the team can take as they look ahead and search for their first win of the season. There rebounding was once again a positive as they looked to make the most of every offensive play and get second chance opportunities.

For Caledonia it was Guard Patrick Whelan who had the most impact with 22 points 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Trevond Barnes also helped Caledonia as he recorded 15 points. Caledonia’s efficiency from the line helped them in their victory after a tough battle with an ever-improving Manchester side.

Manchester made a strong start to the game, leading 8-4 after two minutes in the first quarter. Manchester hustled on defence and were rewarded and forced Caledonia to turn the ball over. Manchester looked to make the most of the turnovers by quickly transitioning from defence to offence and score quick breakaway points. It was Isaih Moore who led the way in the quarter for Manchester as he recorded 9 points. Manchester would end the quarter leading 24-23.

It was once again a good start to a quarter for Manchester as they went on a 7-2 run in the opening two minutes. Isaih Moore was evidence of Manchester’s willingness to rebound the ball both defensively and offensively. His offensive rebound turned into two points when he powerfully dunked the ball into the basket. Once again Manchester played tough defence, with Donovan Mitchell denying Caledonia Guard Isaiah Hill at the rim. The first half would end all square at 47-47.

After a low scoring start to the third quarter Manchester were able to 9-0 run in the final minute of the quarter. Junior Madut played hard defence and was rewarded. He intercepted a stray pass from Caledonia and showed a never give up attitude when he stopped Isaiah Hill with a chase down block. Cody John would make back-to-back two-point jump shots for Manchester to put Manchester into the lead 60-59 with 1:55 left on the clock. Points from Marcus Delpeche, DJ Mitchell and Junior Madut would see Manchester end the quarter in the lead 68-63.

Manchester and Caledonia would trade three pointers to start the final quarter. It would be the four three pointers made by Caledonia that would be the difference between the sides at the end of the game. Manchester fought hard to stay in the game and this showed defensively with Marcus Delpeche recording a steal. Junior Madut, Nathan Cayo and Isaih Moore would all make three pointers to try and keep Manchester in the game. However, two near misses from beyond the arch in the dying seconds of the game meant that Manchester fell short 87-91.

Manchester can take many positives from this outing such as their defensive effort and hustle as well as their offensive rebounding and will search for their first win of the season in their next game.

Manchester will now look ahead to Sunday 20 October as they travel to Sheffield Sharks in the SLB Trophy.

‍