Manchester Basketball were edged out in overtime at the impressive Mons Arena 99-89, after the game finished tied at 80-80 in regulation.

The new look Manchester opened with Smith Jr, Jones, Henry, Irvin & Nicholson as the starting five, Max Jones leading the scoring early on as the first quarter finished 19-18 in favour of Mons.

The second quarter saw the Belgian side extend their lead, with both teams rotating through their squad. Pjay Smith Jr started to impress for MCR, adding 11 pts by the half.

Manchester would return to form in the third quarter leading 59-60 by its close, Kaiyem Cleary showing his scoring abilities alongside the PG.

In the fourth quarter, MCR had the game in their grasp with a 7pt lead down the stretch that looked to have sealed victory, but a late rally from the hosts gave them a 2pt lead at the death before Nicholson cleaned up in the paint to tie the game and take it to overtime. In overtime, Mons got out ahead and held out with Zak Irvin and Max Jones both sidelined in foul trouble.

Making his Manchester debut, Pjay Smith Jr was named Player of the Game with 13 pts, 6 assists and 4 steals. Kaiyem Cleary led the scoring with 21pts, Cody John added 12pts and Kayne Henry totalled 9pts.

MCR are back in action on Wednesday as the play Brussels Basketball in a 7pm local time.