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Manchester Giants cruised to a 61-77 win over Edinburgh Rocks on Saturday night at Meadowbank, a result which effectively secures the Scots' exit from the uni-ball Trophy at the first stage.
At times, the passing which the defending league champions displayed bordered on the sublime as they repeatedly sliced through Edinburgh's porous defence. The hosts too often appeared content to put up long range shots rather than drive to the basket, as Manchester held them at bay.
"It was a great defensive performance," praised Giants coach Andre Alleyne. "We worked out, our movement was good and we ran the fast break well for this first time this season.
Manchester, who were led by a game-high 22 points from American Brian Reese, led 13-24 after the first period and notched the first eight of the third, six coming from ex-Rocks favourite Brendan Graves. The Canadian was a dominant presence at both ends of the court, his willingness to be physical severely limiting Edinburgh's opportunity to get second chances to score.
With Maclean's men defensively in disarray, an 2-11 burst at the start of the fourth quarter left Giants 50-73 in front and one knew the game was over with the introduction of last-resort reserve Marcus Hernandez, whose introduction off the bench has lately become a signal for Edinburgh to wave the white flag in surrender.
Maclean refused to single out individuals but damned his imported stars with faint praise. Only Ted Berry, who played on an injured ankle and scored 17, could be exempt from criticism, his colleagues leaving the Virginian exposed as he, at least, attempted to make the game a contest.
"If I have to sit people out and play the Scottish guys, I'll do that," warned Maclean. "The concentration was very poor. The willingness to bump and bang, to make contact and do all the little things that you do as a defensive unit, we weren't prepared to do. As shallow as we are as a bench, we can’t afford to do that. Collectively we all came up short."
Giants only concern is over Julius Joseph who missed the game after surgery on his cartilage. The England international will find out on Monday how long he will be out for.
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