AFTER trailing the TopCats for most of the game by ten points or more the WildCats at the end were a single field goal away from sending the game into overtime.

With less than two minutes to go Mike Nichols sank a three-pointer that put the WildCats just two points behind the Londoners.

But the clock counted down as the WildCats probed the Brixton defence.

Terry Roberts edged closer to the basket before being pounced on by a pack of Topcats as he went for the equaliser, and the ball hit the rim and ricocheted away.

Keith Howard collected the rebound but had to take a rushed shot after being blocked by the opposition, and Brixton's Louis Souza picked up the loose ball and passed it to Marvin Addy.

Following an illegal challenge by Chris McCormick the TopCats were awarded penalty shots and possession, and Duncan Ruckledge then broke the WildCats's full court press to feed the tall African Ajou Deng who rounded off the scoring with a blistering slam dunk.

There was no stopping the 17-year-old as he matched the WildCats shot for shot and gathered as many rebounds as points.

After 15 minutes the scores were tied but then Eddie Owusu completed a hat-trick of three-pointers that pushed the Brixton team nine points clear.

By half-time the lead had been stretched to 33-44.

Mike Nichols helped Scott Summersgill to complete a trio of treys, and ChrisMcCormick picked up the momentum generated by the two Bury guards, and the WildCats were soon in sight of their opponents.

The WildCats were able to cut the deficit to only five points before Mike Nichols drilled the three-pointer that set up the frantic final few moments when Brixton held on to win.

ZTHIS Saturday Bury tip off at 7.30pm against Oldham Celtics at the Castle Leisure Centre. Added spice to this local derby is that several players who have turn out for both sides will be determined to put one over their former team mates.

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