Towers fumble late chance

Basketball

London Towers had a taste of what the European Cup holds for them this season when Peristeri, who finished only seventh in the Greek league last season, beat the Budweiser League champions 71-69 at Wembley Arena to win the pre-season Sainsburys Classic.

London took the Greeks to the wire and when Paolo Moretti missed three seconds from time, the Towers lost their chance to save the game when Alan Cunningham's pass missed Tony Windless breaking clear to the left of the Greek basket.

London have had to rebuild half their team during the summer since losing three key players to Continental clubs as well as Karl Brown to a serious injury.

New players Joe Hooks and Jan Budin, in particular, showed London have the talent and commitment to make up the shortfall. But with the domestic and European campaigns beginning within the next 10 days they may not have enough time.

The final began 50 minutes late after the Greeks bent the basket support during the pre-game routine

Leading scorers: London Towers Lewis 25, Hooks 17. Peristeri: Koronios 14 Makaras 14, Cheatum 14.