It was back to full-court action on the hardwood at the NSC as Isle of Man Basketball Association’s league season restarted after the festive break last Thursday.

January marks the start of the cup competition, with teams placed into two groups for games that count towards a separate competition outside of the normal league title.

First on the fixture list was a contest between the established Wolves and the up-and-coming Ravens, who were formed as a junior development team this season.

Ross Wilson was quick off the mark for Wolves with a swift lay-up in the first offence, but Conylt Dillon ensured it was a short-lived lead with two points on the return.

The Christmas break had taken its toll on both teams, with some rusty gameplay leading to plenty of turnovers and missed shots. It was a fast-paced affair though, with quick transition between the offences and scant few fouls from either side.

Wolves were first to break away, baskets from Wilson, Ben Campbell and a returning Harry Brindle giving them a solid 22-point lead by the end of the first half.

Ravens weren’t without some successes though, Michael Provatakis and Matthew Jones finding joy in the mid-range and the lanes respectively, but Wolves never looked like they were losing control and the first half finished, 35-13.

The second half saw a new energy from Ravens who came out flying, pushing the fast break and capitalising on steals and turnovers. Dillion and Matthews led the charge, racking up 14-points and slashing the Wolves lead in the opening few minutes.

Wolves took their time to get settled but eventually restarted their scoring ways with a swish three-pointer from Brindle and a drive from Wilson.

Tougher defence clipped the Ravens’ wings and, as the half went on, Wolves became increasingly dominant, with a string of baskets from Campbell, Wilson, Brindle and Kyle Mills. At the final buzzer it was Wolves who were feasting 76-33.

l The second game of the evening pitted Microgaming Cavaliers against Eagles in a game of two halves.

It was another sluggish start after the extended break, with neither team making significant headway in the opening quarter.

Ben Smith and Jack Coates dominated the scoring for Eagles, Coates using his quick pace down the court while Smith worked the post. Points were more spread on the Cavaliers side, veterans Phil Evans and Lez Winnicki sharing the effort with newcomers Baxter Chamberlain and Mat Lechanski.

Eagles started to pull away as the half approached, George Dalton-Brown and Lorenz Freno swishing from outside the arc to build the lead, 35-23.

The second half saw greater success from both sides, Eagles continuing to push the pace and use swift passing and cuts to slice through the Cavs defence.

Cavaliers found their success in a more controlled flow, hitting mid-range shots and cracking the defence with drives through the lanes. At this point the teams were evenly-matched offensively though, each going on runs and each having some dry spells, allowing Eagles to play the advantage of their early lead as the clock wound down.

When the final whistle was blown the margin stood the same as at the first half and Eagles took the win, 66-53.

l The final game of the evening saw Turkeys forfeit their match against Forget Me Not Jets as a result of a spate of illnesses and injuries that left their bench short. The association wishes a speedy recovery and return to the court for all those impacted.

l This Thursday sees the continuation of the cup with a trio of games at the NSC tipping off with Microgaming Cavaliers versus Ravens at 7.20pm, then at 8.40pm Wolves will face Turkeys while Jets take on Eagles.

All games are played in the NSC Main Hall and spectators are welcome to attend.