Basketball: Bullets miss target by single shot

Birmingham Bullets, who have finished bottom of the British Basketball League for the past two seasons, came within one shot of opening their new campaign with an astonishing win when they fought back from 94-77 down to lose 96-95 to Brighton Bears.

The dramatic finale at North Solihull Sports Centre on Saturday night hinged on Yorick Williams. The England international returned to the Bullets last week, one of his former clubs, after missing half of last season with an ankle injury at Brighton.

The Bears had four players foul out in the final four minutes, and Williams and player-coach Skouson Harker capitalised to build an 18-2 response. Williams went for a spectacular three-pointer to win the game with seven seconds remaining, spurning the chance to drive for the basket to at least draw a foul, but his shot bounced away from the rim. Harker backed Williams with 24 points and American Jeff Bonds added 22.

Leicester Riders, who also struggled at the foot of the table last season, failed to push Scottish Rocks as hard and lost 95-65 at De Montfort University.

Riders led only once, at 4-2, and were swept aside by a 15-2 run. The England international Julius Joseph top-scored for Edinburgh with 23 points, including nine in a 21-5 run late in the third quarter to secure a 53-39 lead.

Newcastle Eagles, last season's BBL Trophy and Play-off winners, set the early pace with an 84-69 win over the League champions Chester Jets on Friday night.