A MOTORWAY hold-up scuppered Solent Stars' chances of getting their National Basketball League Division 1 campaign off to a winning start away to Championship holders Teesside Mohawks.
Their preparations were thrown into disarray by the closure of a section of the M1 which meant they arrived in the north-east with just minutes to spare before tip-off.
Having lost Nick Oharabe (ankle) and Melvin Ojadi and Chris St Omer (both work), Stars needed time to prepare two second-string players, Ryan Payne and Andy Aung.
The team made a hurried entrance onto the court and eventually paid the price with an 84-71 defeat.
Despite their tiresome journey, Solent played some scintillating defence to restrict Teesside to just 14 first-quarter points.
Unfortunately, though, Stars' shooting was not at its best as they struggled to score just ten points in the quarter - Paul Silcox contributing four.
With Teesside gaining in confidence and winning the boards, they were able to forge ahead largely through sharp-shooting Corey Jackson, whose 25-point haul included seven three-pointers.
Solent could only manage one successful three-point shot of their own, courtesy of Mark Jackson, but still they managed to stay in touch with Teesside, 33-27, at the interval.
Phil Long, Solent's only recognised centre, picked up his fourth foul at the start of the second half, limiting his contribution. Aung managed to make an impression when Long sat out periods of the game, but Teesside still controlled the boards and pulled away to lead by 15 points, 56-41, going into the last quarter.
As in previous performances, Solent saved their best until last and, despite the long, eventful trip, they shaded the last quarter with some enterprising play.
Even the home coach acknowledged that Mohawks had been unable to shake off the challenge of the visitors throughout the game.
Stars coach Alan Cunningham said: "On the positive side, there was not a Solent player out there who was not trying his hardest to win."
Solent now prepare for their first home league fixture of the season plus the third round National Cup match. Both games are at home next weekend.
Coventry Crusaders provide the league opposition (Fleming Park, Saturday, 8pm) and Reading Rockets are the Cup opponents (Fleming Park, Sunday 7.30pm)
SOLENT SCORERS: Marlin Capers 29, Mark Jackson 10, Paul Silcox 9, Phil Long 9, Andy Aung 8, Ollie Marsh 6.
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