Coach Semonian: Stagnant offence cost us

Manchester Giants head coach Brian Semonian admits his players need to do much more with ball in-hand after another difficult away outing in the British Basketball League.

Despite leading 51-49 at the midway stage against Newcastle Eagles, a strong third period saw the home side hit the front and establish a lead which the Giants were unable to reel in.

One positive for the Giants during Friday's 97-85 defeat was the return of William Lee after a recent injury lay-off.

Nevertheless, the big number four couldn't inspire his side to victory against an Eagles side that responded to three successive league defeats in the best possible manner.

Speaking post-match, Coach Semonian said: "We had a good lead at the beginning of the first half. Although we were down at the beginning of the game, we fought back and there was an 18-point swing in the first half.

"I really liked how we came out, but in the second half, the boys got kind of stuck. We got a little stagnant on offence, and they had a couple of big three-pointers which were momentum-stoppers.

"The ball got a little stuck, and we've got to get better at keeping it moving and getting into our second action."

More challenges lie ahead for the Giants, starting with a trip to third-placed Bristol Flyers on Friday night.

That is followed by a Sunday home game against league leaders London Lions, which forms part of a historic Giants double-header at the NBPC.

Coach Semonian hopes his side will be boosted further by Lee and Legend Robertin's return to full fitness in the days and weeks ahead.

Looking ahead to their next assignment, he said: "Bristol are playing really well right now. We've played them once, so they know our stuff and we know theirs.

"What's really nice is we have Legend and Will back. It's nice to have our roster a little bit more complete, so hopefully we can bring a little bit to Bristol that we didn't show them last time.

"I know they're going to be ready for us, but we'll put together a good game plan."

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