Basketball: Alleyne helps Bears take Cup as Rocks hit by illness

Brighton Bears lifted the season's first piece of silverware after they raced away from an under-strength Scottish Rocks to claim the British Basketball League Cup at Birmingham's NIA last night with an 90-74 win.

Brighton Bears lifted the season's first piece of silverware after they raced away from an under-strength Scottish Rocks to claim the British Basketball League Cup at Birmingham's NIA last night with an 90-74 win.

Rocks, tasting defeat in the final for the second time in 12 months after last season's loss to Sheffield Sharks, had their preparations wrecked when the American Bryant Feggins was ruled out with a stomach virus before the start.

The Glasgow-based club were hanging on throughout the second period after trailing 45-39 at half-time, but were finally overwhelmed when Andrew Alleyne, the Most Valuable Player, Ryan Huntley and Steve Lepore stretched a nine-point lead to 16 over the final minute. Alleyne led Brighton's scorers with 27, while Donald Cole hit 22 for the Rocks.

Chester Jets stayed two points clear at the top of the BBL Championship with a 99-84 win at Plymouth Raiders, where Trey Moore led the visitors' scorers with 30 points.

Sheffield moved into second place by following Thursday night's win over Milton Keynes Lions with a 103-91 victory at bottom club Birmingham Bullets on Saturday. Nate Reinking was top scorer for Sheffield, who are two points ahead of Brighton and Newcastle Eagles, 95-76 winners at Leicester Riders on Saturday.

Meanwhile, London Towers hope their new signing, the American Niki Arinze, will receive a work permit in time to make his debut against Leicester on Wednesday.