Giants lose captain and vital game

Giants had a great start to the first quarter as they moved the ball well, Mark Woodhouse and Charles Gamble combining to score baskets both inside and outside of the key, as Giants took a early 21-15 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Westside came out strong in the second quarter and Giants suffered a knockback which had a major impact as captain Mark Woodhouse suffered a knee injury which ruled him out for the remainder of the game and Westside led 34-27 at the halfway point.

Mansfield were held to six points in the second quarter, but turned the tables and held Westside to just six points in the third quarter.

Big man Edwin Igbinezaka was found at the end of fast breaks at basket to make two huge dunks as did fellow team mate Gamble, as Giants began to pull back the deficit and tie the game up 50-40 at the end of the third quarter.

Baskets were traded end to end between both teams in the fourth quarter.

Giants’ team defence broke down a few times, with Westside using this to their advantage as they took a 67-59 lead.

Just as the game was over, Giants’ youngster Marcellus Xavier shot from the halfway line to score but time had run out.

Giants’ top scorers: Gamble 26, Igbinezaka 13, Richards 9.

Giants now face a must-win game away to London United on Sunday.

The senior women are also in action this Saturday, away to Sunderland City Predators, with Giants U14 teams again away to Leicester Warriors.

The only team in action at home this Saturday is Giants Men’s second team in the Founders Cup as they play Oxford at Oak Tree Leisure Centre at 1pm. Admission is free.