Preseason European Invitational Tournament Report

Day 1

London United Basketball Club suffered a harsh introduction to the reality of European basketball during the first day of the
Preseason International Invitational tournament at Harefield Academy. In the first game United found themselves ill equipped against Manchester Magic ending up on the wrong side
of a 94-41 result. Things had not been much better at the their second encounter of the day
when they were no match for Polish U-16 Champion Chromik Zary losing 84=46. In both games the newly assembled London United squad showed signs of their lack of experience at such a level.

Day 2
In the third game of the tournament against Zastal Zielona Gora, the young Londoners showed signs of improvement. Despite an atrocious start when United was losing 18-0 they found more composure and cut the deficit to only 8 points by the half time break. In the third quarter United were unable to continue to cut the deficit with Zastal remaining on an 8-10 point advantage throughout the period. Unfortunately in the last stanza the much more experienced Polish team took full advantage of the young Londoners mistakes and sailed to a comfortable victory 96-78.

In the second game of the day Chromik was able to withstand an early charge from Manchester which who led by 8 at the end of the first quarter. Thanks to their very well balanced offence and ferocious defence they Chromik secured a relatively easy 65-50 win.

Later the same day Manchester Magic suffered a further defeat to Zastall 64=56 in the last game of the day

Day 3

The last game of the tournament brought together the two so far unbeaten Polish teams. In true fashion of the friendly tournament the game finished with a 64 a piece stalemate, which satisfied both coaches to end the tournament.