It’s back-to-back for Scorchers as the team hit the road to Manchester after last night’s defeat to Plymouth Patriots. Unfortunately for the Scorchers they travel with only 1 American import available. Stanley Davis Jr remains out due to an ankle injury, Lamar Hamrick and Desmond Ringer pick up injuries from last yesterday’s performance.
In a game which early on looked like it was heading for a blow out, Scorchers showed some dog and resilience to give the Manchester fans an entertaining watch as the Devin Thomas would lead the scoring on the night with 20 points.
Manchester started the game with a put back dunk followed by a 3 from McKnight to jump to a quick 5 points.
From early Scorchers look out of rhythm with one another struggling to get a good look at the basket. As shots are forced up Manchester find the net with ease off good looks and open 3s.
The ball sticking for Surrey in the first quarter as Giants take a 17-point lead with 3 and a half minutes to go. Manchester on fire from the 3-point line shooting 62% in the first quarter.
Thomas picks up the scoring load getting the job done for Surrey starting the game with 6 points, a heavy weight on his shoulders for the Indiana State forward.
A dominant display from Manchester to begin the game as the home side leads 31 – 15 after the first quarter.
Giants with a deep rotation continue to throw bodies at the Scorchers wearing them out early in the game. Fatigue having an impact on the Scorchers being able to find the net on offense as the away sides 3-point shot would not fall in the first half.
Giants swing the ball side to side using the shot clock to their advantage picking out the open men and knocking down the 3 ball. With a comfortable 20-point lead for Giants Caylin Raftopoulos steadies the ship by knocking down a much needed 3-pointer to stop the bleeding.
Scorchers academy star Ryan Gannicleft checks into the game to bring some energy for the last few minutes in the quarter after a great display on defence last night against Plymouth.
Scorchers head to the locker room with a big ask for a comeback in the second half down 44 – 27.
An early time out for Scorchers to begin the second half after Jamal Anderson throws down a fast break dunk for the Giants. Coach Raftopoulos wanting to stop any momentum early from the home side.
Devin Thomas starts the half aggressive getting to the free throw line after being fouled at the rim on a dunk attempt, he moves to 12 points in the game.
Giants look defeated as we hit the mid way mark of the quarter. Devin Thomas continues to score for the Scorchers and Caylin Raftopoulos hits a 3-pointer to keep the difference at 20.
A good end to the quarter sees Scorchers make it a 16-point game applying a slight pressure to the Giants heading into the last quarter.
The momentum continues for Scorchers as the start of the 4th and the game is within 14.
Coach Lloyd Gardiner has seen enough as McKnight and Artisan return to the court in an attempt to give the Giants more of a cushion with 7 minutes to go.
Scorchers feed captain Tayo in the paint and work the mismatch against McKnight. Bullying the guard down low Tayp finds Wanliss under the hoop to make it a 9 point game.
As the defence steps up Surrey reduce it to a 6-point game as the Giants struggle to find the net in the 4th quarter and very quickly are feeling the game slip.
With 3 minutes remaining Scorchers make it a 4-point game as McLemore steps up with some big buckets for the Scorchers.
A lapse on defence and Scorchers gives up back-to-back 3-pointers from Anderson and Artisan to push the deficit back to 10 points with 2 minutes to go.
A big defensive stop leads to a windmill fast break dunk as Giants put an exclamation mark on the victory as the Scorchers suffer another defeat this weekend.
Final score 85 – 67.
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