Solent Stars 93 - London United 124

SOLENT STARS suffered their second loss in three days against high-flying English League Division One opposition at Fleming Park on Saturday night.

Fresh from Thursday's loss to third-placed Reading, Solent were well beaten by second-placed London United, who after conceding the opening basket never trailed again in the entire match.

After Larry Parker had thrust Solent in front, London responded with the first of their 13 three-pointers.

In the opening quarter, Solent seemed to have no answer to London's rather static 2:1:2 zone defence - in part because of the difference in height of the two squads.

Marlin Capers was not able to find his shooting form and it took two three -point successes from Paul Silcox and Ollie Marsh to keep Solent in touch during a hectic opening period.

In turn, London brought on Pete Deppish who opened his account with two undefended long three-pointers.

In the second quarter London continued with their zone defence which went largely untested.

Parker, Solent's main scoring threat and who passed the 300-point mark in his 12th game, was mysteriously taken out of the game at intervals by coach Alan Cunningham and played in less than half the match.

A prolonged spell in the changing room discussing tactics at half-time brought its rewards for Solent.

However, they could not dominate the boards and every miss seemed to end up in London's hands with no chance of a second attempt.

The match totals of rebounds was won by London 53-29 - a statistic which proved a decisive factor.

London's rebounding ability encouraged them to shoot (31 three-point attempts against Solent's 18) knowing that any rebound would probably give them another opportunity.

Solent kept plugging away and, had they not missed ten of their 20 free throws, might have gone closer.

London looked a polished team - perhaps not surprising as four of their main scorers were Polish!

SCORERS: Larry Parker 29, Marlin Capers 17, Paul Silcox 13, Mark Jackson 11, Phil Long 9, Chris St Omer 7, Ollie Marsh 5, Mike McGregor 2.