Mansfield Giants move out of relegation zone after shooting down Team Solent

Mansfield Giants senior men pulled off a fantastic performance to beat fellow league strugglers Team Solent to lift them out of the relegation spots.

The Giants started the game with some great pressure defence making it extremely difficult for Solent to execute any kind of offence. With some free flowing offence and a massive alley opp dunk from Dan Watts, the Giants lead 21 - 8 after the 1st quarter.

Team Solent got things together offensively. Some strong drives to basket made the score look a little more respectable going into half time, but the Giants still had a 41 - 21 lead.

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After strong words from the coaching staff, the Giants usual poor third quarter did not come, as they continued to race ahead to gain a 21 point lead going into the final period.

The defensive pressure we saw at the start seemed to have disappeared in the fourth quarter as Team Solent scored some easy baskets, but the Giants still came out with a much needed 82 - 62 win.

Head Coach Dan Richards said: “We did a lot of preparation for this game. We all knew how important the game was and we executed extremely well.

“I was a little disappointed at the end when we took our foot off the gas as every point could make a difference at the end of the season, but on the whole a good solid performance.

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“The next two weeks are really important for us. We have got to play Team Solent again and also Birmingham Mets who are also at the foot of the table so really important we stay focused now and continue to improve our performance.’

The Giants travel away this weekend as they take on London Westside on Saturday and Team Solent on Sunday.