Manchester Basketball fell 91-86 to the London Lions in the Super League Basketball Championship.

Manchester were in contention all the way down the stretch against the league champions, and the game was tied at 82 with just three minutes remaining. Unfortunately, they didn’t have quite enough to get the game over the line in the final minute.

But this was a hard-fought game throughout, which could have gone either way. Neither side led by double digits, and while it was the Lions who went on a late run to seal the win, it could easily have been Manchester’s win on another night.

Pjay Smith’s 22 points and 4 assists led the team from the point. The American made three triples in an efficient scoring night, and he was one of many contributors on Manchester’s roster.

Matt Nicholson dominated the glass on his way to an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double. He had 7 offensive rebounds to generate a host of second-chance opportunities for the hosts.

Max Jones and Jordan Johnson both continued their hot run of form to score 15 each. Meanwhile, DJ Mitchell, who hit the ground running after returning to Manchester, scored 14 from the starting lineup.

Johnson took over down the stretch, scoring 8 points in the final quarter to mount a charge. His stepback three midway through the fourth put Manchester up 78-75 as they battled the league leaders late.

While London took the win, Manchester once again proved they can go toe-to-toe with their southern opponents as they approach the postseason.

But next, Manchester play in the Final Four of the European North Basketball League in a momentous moment in the club’s history.

They play MBC Syntainics in the Semi-Final on Wednesday, April 22, at 7 pm.

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