A game against a Canute team who share a very similar record to us was always likely to be close. There was a huge amount of desire to come out on top in this one. A lot of work had gone into improving our spacing offensively and creating opportunities to penetrate the paint and we were looking forward to unleashing it, albeit without two key components: Leo after an emergency operation (get well soon) and Nathaniel, at the end of the spectrum, living it up in Bulgaria.

Both would have been helpful in a game that very quickly became a battle between our outside shooters and their inside threat. The first period was close. We started well from distance but allowed them to stay with us, largely through them out-rebounding us. They found easy ways to score, but once we allowed a period of transition points, they opened up their first sizeable lead. It was clawed back before halftime through what was becoming outstanding displays from Harry and Diddy. Diddy was clearly feeling it from deep, and yet they were unable to adjust with their rigid zone defence allowing him to almost shoot at will.

Sadly, we once again got loose defensively in the second half and continued to struggle on the glass. Their centre was having one of his better games and was finishing strongly, along with their impressive guard who was able to score from outside and drive with real venom inside. This combination opened up another lead. Diddy in particular kept us in the game throughout. His impressive 7 made 3-pointers would be noticed in the NBA, so for MABL it is almost unheard of! Unfortunately the final comeback was left slightly too late. We found ways to get to the line in the final minutes and without a couple of late defensive lapses, we could have taken the game.

It wasn't to be though. To lose after scoring 77 was painful and shows clearly where our work ahead lies, but there were many huge positives. No one has it easy against us, but we're desperate to claim a confidence-boosting win soon and get back to winning ways.

Points: Diddy 25, Harry 18, Pauli 16, Ewan 8

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