MANCHESTER Giants won their first game of the current BBL season last night against the Surrey Scorchers with a final score of 91 – 79.
The Giants had been without a win in six games so far, whilst the Scorchers had managed just two victories in thirteen.
New Giants signing Sam Toluwase put on a magnificent display to secure the two points, netting a total of 22 points – second only to fellow Giants player Jerelle Okoro, who managed 24.
Though Surrey opened the scoring, the Giants kept pressure on throughout the first quarter. Forward Richard Bell made a fantastic darting run and managed to secure two points for the Giants after a great half turn.
Throughout the beginning of the game both teams took the lead at moments in what was a hard fought first quarter. By the end of the first 10 minutes, the score was Giants 26, Scorchers 21.
After a quick few words from coach Yorik Williams, the Giants came out fighting in the second quarter, looking determined to grab their first win of the season.
The home team looked better defensively after the break, making some good blocks throughout the second quarter.
Meanwhile Surrey’s number 8, Irving sustained a minor leg injury but was able to run it off.
Despite improving in defence the Giants continued to give away too many fouls, allowing Surrey Scorchers to claw the score back to 35-30.
The score remained quite close throughout this quarter, with both teams usually within ten points of the other.
Toluwase broke away with a darting run and incredible jump to keep the Giants ahead with a dunk. Five minutes before the end of the quarter, the hardworking Baba is swapped out to give his legs a break.
Surrey manage some strong forward play of their own with great linking between Maynard and Neighbour.
By the end of Q2 the score was 52 – 43.
During the third quarter the Giants begin to dominate with their lead remaining at ten plus points throughout.
They score a couple of great three pointer shots from outside the D as the nervousness sets into the Scorchers play.
The away team miss a few easy shots in a row and have some would-be successful shots blocked by good defensive moves from Giants men like the 6’10” Lithuanian Donatas Visockis.
Strong offensive play from both sides means that this quarter ended at 74-64 to the Giants.
Just a short while later and all is ready for Q4.
Most of the action this quarter is at the Scorchers end, with the Manchester team constantly pressing the opposition.
Surrey do get some chances though and they manage to nearly even the score after some sloppy play from the Giants defence.
Ultimately though, the Giants superior attack wins them this game after a great turn from the reinstated Baba and another incredible dunk from Toluwase.
WINNER! What a difference @MrToluwase has made. 22 points tonight. #letsgogiants pic.twitter.com/RUwOFpOC2h
— Manchester Giants ? (@McrGiants) November 13, 2016
As the game enters its final moments Surrey miss a chance with the ball falling into Giants hands. They run down the clock in the final few seconds to secure their first win of the season after a closely fought but the Manchester Giants dominated game.
After the match, Quays nominated man of the match Toluwase had this to say:
“I feel great. Since I’ve joined the team, there’s been a lot of little pieces to put together to make a big puzzle. Slowly, surely it’s come together and it goes to show when we play together, we play 110% for 40 minutes we do good out there.”
He didn’t want to receive all the plaudits however, insisting it was a team effort:
“You have to stay focused and grounded, disciplined. You lead and hope people follow. We just build and build, we’ve added little bits and pieces and we’ll keep building. We’re gonna show that we can compete in this league.”
By Will Stevenson
@willreviews
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