Oxhoops Braves fell just 11 points short as they lost 69-58 to Kingston Wildcats in their first ever play-off game in the National Founders Cup.

One of Braves’ main objectives was to stop Willdcats, who have averaged more than 100 points per game during the regular season, from reaching 70 points, and they managed to do that, which in itself was a victory.

Wildcats led 39-23 after the first quarter and extended that in the second.

But Braves managed what no other team in the league had done by outscoring Wildcats 19-12 in the third quarter, although in the end it wasn’t enough.

Adam Hayle top-scored with 17 points, followed by Desta Rudder-Smith with 11, Preye Ozeke with nine and Mike Porter with five.

Braves coach Franky Marulanda said: “Our defence was great throughout, but we did not shoot well.

“But I am so proud of the eight players who bravely stepped up their game.”

l OXFORD Brookes Eagles’ Under 18 team notched a comfortable 100-55 win at home to Hertfordshire Warriors in their third South Conference League fixture.

Brookes scored with relative ease while Warriors struggled on offence.

There was a lack of intensity from Brookes players in the second quarter, with too many loose passes and little speed about the court, but after a few choice words from coach Bill Baker, normal service was resumed.

Brookes Eagles U18 scorers: C Sugden 21, L Aleksandravicius 20, D Hyde 13, E Kirwan 10, M Bird 8, J Caudle 7, P Daley 7, D Ormrod 7, P Helmsley 4, C Doig 3.