Solent Stars 71 - Manchester 95

SOLENT'S hopes of qualifying for an English League Basketball play-off spot were dented by a dismal start at fourth-placed Manchester.

Solent had to wait until the sixth minute to claim their opening points - a Paul Silcox free throw - by which time Magic were 17-0 ahead.

Larry Parker was not able to get in the game at all early on and only recorded four rebounds overall.

He was not helped by a series of referee's calls that exasperated coach Alan Cunningham and saw Parker obtain his fourth foul before half-time.

Solent's other American, Marlin Capers, tried hard to get the team going, but itook on too much and conceded possession of the ball on a number of occasions as he tried to be the playmaker.

The introduction of Graham Hunter, after Ollie Marsh had failed to make any impression, saw a flicker of a revival.

This was aided by Manchester's coach, Jeff Jones, giving his less experienced players more court time than usual.

Manchester were able to add points from second chance attempts as they out-rebounded Solent on the boards, especially in the first half.

How Solent sorely missed the unavailable Chris St Omer's rebounding contribution

Solent equalled Manchester's scoring in the third quarter; Silcox working tirelessly for his points and nine rebounds.

Mark Jackson, Ollie Marsh, Capers and Parker all contributed points as Solent began to play with a purpose sorely lacking in recent weeks.

Coach Cunningham rued: "This was a game of two halves.

"First half we failed to turn up, but when I brought on Graham Hunter we briefly looked like a team capable of coming back.

"But a couple of crucial calls by the referees - which should have gone our way, but did not - caused a further points deficit and killed off any quick resurgence.

"The second half brought new belief but the four fouls on Parker and Silcox saw the end of our rally."

Next weekend Solent host leaders Sheffield Arrows (Fleming Park, Saturday, 8pm).

SCORERS: Larry Parker 21, Marlin Capers 15, Paul Silcox 14, Mark Jackson 12, Phil Long 4, Graham Hunter 3, Ollie Marsh 2.