Basketball: London exit Europe in Milan

London Towers' European Cup hopes died in Italy last night where, despite 35 points from Danny Lewis, they lost 102-86 to Stefanel Milan in their seventh game in Group H.

Towers' only win was against Milan by 65-56 at Wembley in September. But, even if the Budweiser League leaders win their last three games, they cannot now take a top four place to qualify for the last 32 knock- out stage.

Milan's three-point shooters, who scored with 11 of 18 attempts, and the rebounding of blocked shots by the former NBA man Thurl Bailey, shut the door on any hopes London had of resurrecting their European campaign.

London trailed only 38-32 five minutes from half-time after two free throws from their own Italian, Marco Baldi, playing against his former club. But Milan immediately launched a 10-0 run, inspired by Massimo Ruggeri, who missed the first game in London.

The outclassed London side found no way back after the break, despite the heroic efforts of Lewis.

LEADING SCORERS: Milan: Ruggeri 19, Bailey 17. London: Lewis 35, Baldi 14, Brown 10, Hamilton 10.