Manchester Basketball fell 68-79 against Newcastle Eagles in the Betty Codona Trophy Group Phase.

Frannie Hottinger led Manchester’s efforts with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. She went 7-13 from the field in an efficient shooting night for the American.

Hottinger was backed by Maaja Bratka, who had 15 points and 5 rebounds, and Tiarra East, who chipped in with 14 points.

Manchester started well, winning the first two quarters to take a big lead into the half. But a spirited comeback from the Eagles made it a one-score affair going into the fourth, and the visitors kicked on late to take the win.

Andrea Daley led Newcastle with a game-high 22 points and 14 rebounds. She scored 8 points in the fourth as the Eagles rallied for the win.

Hottinger set the tone with 13 first-half points to lead Manchester to an early lead. It was a promising start at the National Basketball Performance Centre, which saw the hosts up 44-29 going into the break.

But 8 points in the third quarter for Daley sparked the Eagles' comeback, and she closed it out with another eight in the fourth.

Manchester can take confidence from their hot start going into their final Trophy group game against Nottingham next weekend.
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Next game: Manchester Basketball at Nottingham Wildcats
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Manchester are back in Trophy action on Saturday, October 11, taking on the Nottingham Wildcats on the road at 5pm. They return home on Sunday, November 2, to play the Caledonia Gladiators in the Super League Basketball Championship.