Patrons Cup Loughborough 54 Ipswich 67 Ipswich got an excellent win on the road in their first competitive away game of the season in the Midlands against the Loughborough Riders.
Loughborough, a team Ipswich beat three times last season, brought back an almost identical roster while for Ipswich, new additions Jacob Lloyd, Codrin Crangasu, Billy Smith and Nick Sims all got their first experience of life on the road with the team.
The game was dominated both some excellent defence by both teams, with Ipswich’s balanced scoring attack eventually proving too much for the home side to handle.
Coach Nick Drane said his squad are using the early rounds of the competition for the team to find some rhythm ahead of a long season ahead, where Ipswich are expected to push for promotion from National League Division Two.
“We have some new guys that need to get used to our system and some of the guys that have been around for a while are still getting into basketball shape, so these cup games are ideal preparation for the league season,” Drane explained.
Of course, we want to win these games so we are delighted with the win today against a good Loughborough team.”
For Ipswich, GB International Luke Mascall-Wright was the high-scoring man with 14, while Leigh Greenan and Aaron Moseley had 13 each. Club captain Tom Sadler added 12.
Next weekend Ipswich host Loughborough, again in the group stage of the Patrons Cup, while on Sunday they travel to Hemel Storm from Division One in the second round of the National Cup.
Drane added: “Last season we didn’t get the chance to play a Division One team, so we are really excited about the opportunity to measure ourselves against a team from the division above.”
Also on Saturday the club welcome NBA and British basketball legend John Amaechi to Ipswich.
He’ll be running sessions with club coaches and players before watching the men’s game and then attending a dinner with the club where he will answer questions about his amazing career.
Drane said: “It’s an amazing day for the club next Saturday but the men have to stay focused on the job and continue to get better – obviously we want John Amaechi to see us win!”
Tickets are available for the event - for £15 you can watch the game and attend the dinner.
For more information visit www.ipswichbasketball.net.
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