"Our younger players as a group really stepped up. It's important to a team environment for players to know their roles [and they all delivered].
"We competed well at certain parts of the game but couldn't keep these moments together. It is part of the development in a programme and a team," Sadler commented.
"One day we'll be stringing wins together rather than just quarters."
While a 43 point loss might sound steep, the Suns won the second quarter after having a slow start to the game before hitting another slow spot in the third quarter. Half of the 43 point margin came in the final quarter, being outscored by 20. However, Sadler felt there were positives but finishing off, consistency, and composure needed to be worked on.
"We had some really good stops defensively but sadly in our haste to turn those into points we gave them away.
"We're not used to playing guys who can just shoot from anywhere too.
"They had some really good players there, one of their guys won the world dunk competition with his crazy dunks.
"Most of their players have come through the junior breakers and national secondary school programmes so we're really happy having a team of that quality come up here."
Saturday's match was part of a two game series that sees the Suns travelling to Auckland this weekend for a rematch.
For the Suns, the series was a way to continue the development of the sport in Northland and helping create a pathway for basketball in the region.
Sadler said again a good crowd turned out, further helping turn basketball into a spectator sport after a successful series two weeks ago against a touring Australian side.
