Manchester Basketball fell 100-96 to Icelandic side Tindastoll in the European National Basketball League.

The game was a thriller, fought to the wire in a fiercely contested encounter. Manchester had opportunities to take the lead with 15 seconds left and tie the game with 11 seconds left, but ultimately it was the hosts who made the winning plays late.

Kayne Henry led Manchester’s efforts with 21 points, catching fire from three to go 5-6 on the night. Pjay Smith had 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds, and Kaiyem Cleary impressed with 19 points and two athletic blocks.

The result balanced on a knife’s edge through the pivotal moments of the game. From 7:30 left in the fourth to nine seconds remaining on the clock, the biggest lead for either side was four points. That was the theme of the night, as Manchester continually found retorts to Tindastoll’s runs.

And with 45 seconds left, the visitors were down just one. In a frantic possession, Manchester had three shots for the lead, which all agonisingly hit iron.  

Dedrick Basile confidently knocked down the Tindastoll free throws when sent to the line, and a turnover by Manchester on the following inbound all but sealed the result. Ivan Gavrilovic finished the game with 28 points for the hosts despite fouling out in the final quarter.

The result means Manchester are now 2-2 in the ENBL for the season.

Manchester are back in action on Sunday, November 16, playing the Sheffield Sharks on the road in the Super League Basketball Championship. They then return home for ENBL action, playing KB Prishtina on Wednesday, November 19. The game starts at 7pm at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

You can get your tickets here!