Basketball: London live dangerously

London Towers ended a run of three Budweiser League defeats at Wembley last night, but lived dangerously before beating Leicester City Riders 80-73 to open a two-point lead at the top of the table. Defeats against Newcastle Eagles, twice, and Sheffield Sharks had let Birmingham Bullets and Greater London Leopards catch Towers.

In last night's fourth quarter, National Cup finalists Leicester held Towers to just three points as they recovered from 11 points down to trail 72-71 with 65 seconds to play. London responded with six points and were steadied by two free throws from Paul Deppisch.

Thames Valley Tigers consolidated their position for the play-off quarter- finals by overrunning Crystal Palace 122-79 at Bracknell last night.

Manchester Giants are expected to beat tomorrow's transfer deadline by signing, the American Steve McGlothin.

- Richard Taylor