Manchester fall just short after close battle has to be decided by overtime.

DJ Mitchell was the standout performer for Manchester scoring 25 points, making four three-pointers in the game.

Isaih Moore also impressed for Manchester recording a double double. He had 15 points and 13 rebounds.

For London Lions it was Michael Brisker who was the standout performer. 36 points 5 rebounds and 2 assists. His shooting ability aided London Lions in keeping them in the game and eventually taking it away from Manchester.

Manchester looked to be physical from the off. They looked to force London to turnover the ball and then drive to the rim to draw contact. Isaih Moore showed this when on the first play of the game he was able to draw contact and go to the line for two free throws, both of which he converted. Nathan Cayo impressed in the first quarter scoring 7 points. He was impressive in the post and he was able to steal the ball and then break quickly up the court to make a shot from beyond the arch. The first quarter ended with Manchester taking a lead of 24-21.

The game continued to be end to end as both Manchester and London traded buckets. Isaih Moore impressed offensively as he looked to get as many offensive rebounds as possible. He was able to grab one and convert the second chance points immediately as Manchester took advantage of the extra possession. Nathan Cayo once again showed his ability in the post making a hook shot. Cayo, from the beginning of the year, has showed his ability in the post. However, after conceding some late fouls in the quarter which London Lions took advantage of Manchester went into the half trailing 43-47.

Manchester came out of the blocks quickly in the third quarter. Isaih Moore finished with a dunk to give Manchester momentum. Junior Madut showed his ability from beyond the arch, making a three-pointer. Makai Ashton-Langford impressed in the quarter, leading the team from the backcourt. He and Moore combined for an alley-oop, something which is becoming a signature play for Manchester as they try to find Moore at the rim. Ashton-Langford also made the most of the remaining five seconds of the quarter by driving the whole length of the court and converting the layup. This meant that Manchester went into the final quarter leading 66-64.

DJ Mitchell impressed for Manchester in the final quarter scoring 8 points. Three-pointers from Nathan Cayo, Ali Ali, Cody John, Junior Madut and Mitchell in the quarter helped Manchester get a three point lead with just 23 seconds remaining on the clock. London Lions were able to take advantage of this. After some good play Jordan Taylor was able to drive into the paint and swing the ball to the corner where the ball fell into the hands of Michael Brisker who was able to make the three-point shot. This meant that the game went into overtime with the teams tide at 90 points apiece.

Manchester were unable to get going in overtime. They made one field goal which was a DJ Mitchell three-pointer. They played some nice offence but were unable to convert the shots. London Lions took advantage of this and made nine points in overtime winning the game 93-99.

Manchester will be able to take plenty of positives out of this game. They will look at their improved rebounding and their improved fluidity as a defensive unit especially.

Manchester are next in action on Sunday November 17 as they take on Bristol Flyers.

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