Towers stand firm to take first title

Basketball

DUNCAN HOOPER

London Towers overcame their early nerves to snatch the glory from Worthing Bears in the 7-Up League Trophy final at Birmingham's NEC on Saturday night, winning 90-84 and taking the first title in their history.

Both teams were making their debut in the final, but Worthing have won four trophies in the last three seasons, and veterans Colin Irish, Alan Cunningham and Steve Nelson lead a crew who have amassed 52 career titles.

It showed for the first half. Seven three-pointers, including three from Irish, pushed Worthing into a 43-28 lead, despite having lost starting guard Andrew Bailey with a shoulder injury in the first quarter.

The consistently impressive Steve Bucknall gave London the lead at 69- 68 and two three-pointers from Danny Lewis pushed London far enough ahead to survive a nervous final 90 seconds, when they missed five of eight free throws and Worthing hit another three three-pointers.

Scorers: London Lewis 23, Gardiner 5, Austin 6, Henlan 10, Bucknall 23, Windless 21, Duhaney 2. Worthing Paci 6, Nelson 11, Cunningham 23, Prescott 3, Plair 18, Irish 23.