Despite opening their MABL Championship Division campaign with defeat, Bury Blue Devils' stand-in player-coach Stu Jackson was determined to take the positives from a tight encounter at Free City YMCA.

A depleted Blue Devils team travelled to Manchester in confident mood for the first game of the regular season but without player coach Mike Nicols and regular starter Chris Stainton, the Bury side were defeated 82-70.

" Although it is disappointing to lose our first game, there are positives to take from it," said Jackson.

"YMCA are a well drilled team and credit to them for their execution.

"Despite missing a couple of key players the margin in each quarter was only three points so I'll look forward to playing them at our place."

From the first tip, YMCA came out of the blocks firing with 10 quick unanswered points. Phil Stainton promptly replied with his own three-point effort as Bury settled into the game and Ergoli Togo battled well inside as the quarter finished 19-16 to YMCA.

Despite strong defence from both sides in the second quarter, the teams traded baskets with point guard Jay Knowles handling the pressure well as the half ended 40-35 to YMCA.

YMCA were energised in the third period hitting nine points before Stainton again stepped up from downtown. As the game became more physical YMCA continued to execute as they hit four three-point shots in the quarter.

The fourth quarter saw YMCA in foul trouble early. Bury switched to a pressure man to man defence which led to the home team committing a number of fouls.

Bury capitalised from the free throw line and were determined to push their opponents right to the end.

Veteran Stu Jackson stepped up with eight fourth quarter points but could not prevent the home team winning the game. Phil Stainton top-scored for the Devils with 25 points with Jackson adding 13 and Kin Ling nine.

The Blue Devils' next game is at home to local rivals Bolton on Friday. Tip-off 7.45pm at Bury Grammar School.