Preston’s 1st team took the floor on Tuesday opening their MABL campaign in a tough fixture against an organised Mavericks team.

Captain Craig Wright opened the game with a very comfortable 3 pointer after Preston moved the ball well. Both teams then traded from beyond the arc, each hitting 3 maximums each. However, Preston’s strong interior offence showed, with Paulino Vasquez scoring 3 baskets back-to-back and both Andy Thrower and Craig Inness supplying points in the paint. The quarter was rounded off by an excellent example of team basketball with all 5 getting touches leading to an easy score under the bucket. Preston came out of the gates strong on both sides of the court, scoring 23 points whilst holding Mavs to only 12.

Preston continued with the work they started, with tough defence from Adam Hope stopping the main Mavs scorers whilst Renaldas Samanvicius attacked the basket hard to score a basket and convert two free-throws. Some easy fast-break points from Shaun Hoyle and yet another 3 from Terence (but certainly not the last!) alongside some fantastic defence from Osak Ogie and a couple of big blocks from Andy Thrower allowed the Preston team to score a further 25 points whilst holding the Mavs to only 10 points.

The strong first half performance gave the team a little breathing room, allowing coach Rick Szostak to test different matchups and run the bench more, ensuring everyone had equal playing opportunities.

Opening the 3rd quarter Craig Inness scored a great open jumpshot from the elbow with the intensity kept up on defence. Both Craig W and Renaldas took it hard to the hoop, each getting to the line and converting baskets whilst Osak added another two baskets himself. Mavs found some stride however and played well, clawing bck some of the deficit. Mavs shooters got hot, scoring 3 baskets in a row on the way to 15 points, but Preston edged the 3rd quarter still with 16 points made.

Going into the final quarter, Preston still had a comfortable lead and good energy along with it. Paulino came out strong again and began the quarter with 3 baskets back-to-back and Malcolm contributed a nice elbow jumper. Terence came out of the gates burning hot, scoring 3 3pointers back-to-back, each getting progressively further away (one was practically from the changing rooms!!). It was a narrow quarter again, with Mavs scoring 16 points but Preston again winning the quarter with 17 points.

Overall, a great first performance from the team. Great team chemistry meant that mistakes made didn't let the flow of the game be affected. Great effort from all individuals, who each brought something to the team. The final score - Mavs 53 - Preston 81.

T. Mustre: 21pts
A. Thrower: 4pts
S. Hoyle: 12pts
C. Inness: 4pts
Renaldas Samanvicius: 8pts
C. Wright: 5pts
O. Ogie: 8pts
P. Vasquez: 17pts
M. Kandulu: 2pts
A. Hope: 0pts

MVP: T. Mustre