Erks played the final group game of round one against last season's runners up knowing a win would almost certainly guarantee a home draw in round 2. However, a disastrous first 15 minutes left the Erks with a mountain to climb and although a second half performance almost produced a great comeback, Cambridge held on for the win.

Erks could find no rhythm in the opening exchanges and poor shot selection and good offensive execution from Cambridge saw the visitors open up a 28 - 11 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw no great improvement and the Erks found themselves further behind at 43 - 20 after 15 minutes. A quick rally at the end of the half saw Erks pick up a couple of quick points but the game seemed over at half time with the home side trailing 24 - 45.

Erks picked up the defence in the third quarter and then started to produce some breaks of their own before putting together a 15 - 0 run half way through the quarter to cut the lead to 7 points before a quick couple of Cambridge baskets saw the quarter end at 46 - 56 in favour of Cambridge.

Erks continued to rally in the fourth quarter and with one minute to go, had levelled the scores at 66 - 66. However, Erks fouled and Cambridge hit one free throw to lead by one and when Erks missed the opportunity to take the lead on the next possession, Erks had to foul to stop the clock and Cambridge hit one of two free throws to take the win by 2 points.

Erks scorers:
Declan McCusker 2; Chris Olufeso 7; Martin Overare 14; Steve Herd 10; Julian Morvan 13; John Kimani 12; Paul Haydan 8; Sean Hutchinson.

Report posted: 24/02/04