SWINDON Shock player-coach David Colclough says his side’s 101-75 loss to BC Medelynas London in the National Cup was a humbling experience for the club’s younger players.

With just one week to go until the New College-based side make their first outing as a Division Three South side, Colclough says cup competitions were always secondary to domestic competition.

With three cup fixtures in the last three weeks, two of which have ended in defeat for Colclough and his troops, the Shock boss thinks the club have benefitted from handing the youngsters court time.

Ollie Swann was a stand-out performer alongside new addition, Janis Spruds, in a five which included seasoned performers Spencer Wells, Matt North and Dominic Sajovic.

Medelynas were within touching distance of Shock deep into the third quarter but eventually built a substantial lead to take the win.

“We went thinking do we want to play Reading the next round or do we want to get people experience,” said Colclough.

“We played well and we were only down by two points with a few minutes left in the third quarter but then they pulled away. Experience-wise we got what we needed.

“Spencer Wells played and did really well, it was more about getting the young guys minutes.

“We are trying to iron out some wrinkles, everyone wants to score because they can prove something to the team.

“But I’m going to pick you if you can defend and get me some rebounds as well, our problem has never been scoring, it is always defence.

“Our new player got some good experience, he played really well and Ollie Swann was spectacular at both ends of the court.

“I thought if he is playing that way and we get all our horses back, we will be ready to roll in Division Three.”

The Swindon chief also thinks a delayed journey was less than ideal for his side, who made the trip to South East London on Sunday.

He said: “It helped them that we had to drive there. It was a nightmare journey because we only arrived an hour before the tip-off.”