SOLENT STARS 69 - MANCHESTER MAGIC 85

THIRD-PLACED Manchester Magic proved too strong for a gallant Solent team in Saturday night's Division One game at Fleming Park.

Solent, with new American signing Larry Parker in their ranks, got off to a flying start in which three pointers from Marlin Capers (2) and Mike McGregor were instrumental in giving them a 16-7 lead by the beginning of the seventh minute.

6' 7" Parker, who had only arrived from Florida on the day of the game, immediately showed some deft touches.

However, he could not prevent Solent being outscored 15-6 in the last three minutes of the first quarter to see Magic lead 23-21.

Parker opened the scoring in the second quarter with a neat short jump shot.

More points from Capers helped Solent lead 33-28 by the fifth minute before Manchester came back to level.

The next burst of scoring came from Solent, including a Parker three-pointer, to take them five points clear again, though Magic levelled at 42-42 by half-time.

The teams were still all square coming into the fifth minute of the third quarter, but in a devastating five minutes for Solent, Manchester's Terrell Ivory landed three three pointers in a 17-point spree.

Coach Alan Cunningham rang the player changes in the quarter but between them they could only manage 12 points to Manchester's 23 and the game was as good as over.

Paul Silcox had quickly picked up three fouls which limited his contribution, although he did open Solent's account in the last quarter with a three point shot.

Having closed the gap to 69-62, by the third minute, Solent still looked in contention, but Magic scored 14 more points in the next five minutes whilst Solent could only manage two from Larry Parker.

The foul count of Solent 21 Manchester 8 demonstrated the desperate plight of the hosts being forced to chase the game.

The coaching staff now have to prepare the team for a visit to high-riding Sheffield Arrows next week.

SCORERS: Marlin Capers 27, Larry Parker 12, Paul Silcox 8, Mark Jackson 7, Chris St Omer 6, Phil Long 4, Mike McGregor 3, Ollie Marsh 2.