SOLENT Stars certainly didn't start as they meant to go on in Saturday's 95-57 victory over Taunton Tigers in the National Cup second round.

Coach Alan Cunningham had to call an early time-out as Solent struggled to find any form in the first three minutes against the third division underdogs.

By then, sleepy Solent had used three 24-second plays and, in the third, had failed to even put up a shot in the allocated time.

Whatever incisive play there was came from the lively visitors, who led 7-2 by the fourth minute.

The game's first three-pointer - by Mark Jackson - brought Solent level and baskets from Marlin Capers and Nick Oharabe opened a six-point lead for Stars, reduced to four at the first interval.

Solent tightened up their defence in the second quarter, allowing Taunton just eight points. However, Stars still lacked variety in attack.

But with the score 23-22 in Solent's favour, Capers suddenly found his shooting touch, adding seven quick points to steer Stars to a 38-23 half-time lead.

Taunton scored the first six points of the second half but once Solent got into their stride, they brushed aside the mini rally to score almost at will in the third quarter, running up 32 points.

With both teams reaching four team fouls early in the final quarter, frequent visits to the free-throw line nullified any chance of a free-flowing finale.

Solent have another home draw in the next round of the tournament with the likely opponents being Reading Rockets on October 17 (7.30pm).

Solent scorers: Marlin Capers 29, Mark Jackson 16, Nick Oharabe 12, Ollie Marsh 11, Phil Long 9, Ryan Payne 5, Chris St Omer 4, John Salmon 4, Melvin Ojadi 4, Dave McKay 1.