Manchester Basketball fell 78-90 to Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava in the second game of their ENBL campaign.

Kayne Henry and Tim Adetukasi led Manchester’s efforts with 13 points each. Adetukasi bagged his points in only 16 minutes of action, going 4-6 from the field and grabbing 5 rebounds on the night.

But the hosts ultimately fell short against Slovan’s star duo of Marko Radovanovic and Lester Medford Jr., who combined for an impressive 48 points.

Despite being down double digits in the opening quarter, Manchester dug deep and battled back throughout the game to remain in contention for the victory. A second-quarter fightback, led by 11 points from Henry, saw Manchester make it a one-score affair with under a minute left in the half.

Manchester took the lead in the third quarter after back-to-back buckets from Pjay Smith, and with momentum in their corner, they looked favourite to kick on and win the game. However, a Slovan surge in the fourth meant it was the visitors who seized the late initiative. They led by 11 with three minutes remaining in the game.

Manchester had one final stand of resistance when Kaiyem Cleary scored five quick points to cut the difference to six with two and a half minutes on the clock. But Medford Jr. had the Slovan response, and they held on for the win.

The result means Manchester fell to 1-1 in the ENBL after their opening night win against Keila Coolbet to end September.

Manchester returns to Super League Basketball action on Sunday, October 26. The game will start at 3pm at the National Basketball Performance Centre, you can get your tickets here!