The reigning champions, led by a game-high 23 points from Joe Chapman, underlined their status as favourites to retain their title as an 11-1 run propelled them towards a 35-21 half-time lead.

Although Sterling Davis' men, paced by 16 from Gareth Murray, rallied with a late 10-1 burst in the fourth quarter, their revival came too late.

Davis, whose side visit Durham Wildcats tomorrow, admits he will look for immediate reinforcements for his squad after releasing centre Meneptha Darden.

The American said: "I'm not sure yet on what direction we will move in when it comes to additions. Right now, our focus is on what we have now and making that work.

"Realistically, I want to win some silverware just as it should be for every team in the league. If we are not realistically playing to win, then what are we doing here?"

* Great Britain's women will meet hosts France, Serbia and Latvia in the opening round of next year's EuroBasket Women in France.

The tournament will be held from June 15-30, between five different cities in the north and west of the country.