Meeting for new boys

Basketball

Basketball

DUNCAN HOOPER

The Budweiser League's two new Americans, both signed to beat this week's transfer deadline, face each other tonight when Thomas Elliott lines up for Manchester Giants against Worthing Bears' Tim Garrett.

Garrett's arrival should inject fresh impetus into injury-ravaged Worthing, who have lost two of their last three games after last month's defeat in the League Trophy final by London Towers.

The player/coach Colin Irish, Alan Cunningham, Steve Nelson, Andrew Bailey and Gary Smith all carry injuries, although Smith and Bailey at least return to the bench after missing last week's defeat at Sheffield Sharks.

Worthing, fifth, are striving for the top-four place which will give them home advantage in the play-off quarter-finals.

Elliott joins a Giants line-up which also recalls the England international, Danny Craven, who has missed the entire season with tendinitis.

n Birmingham Bullets beat the league leaders, London Towers, 73-72 in London last night. Michael Payne, who scored 20 points, landed a crucial three-pointer 14 seconds from time.

n England will play Hungary in two internationals on 20 and 21 February at Crystal Palace and Ware, in preparation for their European Championship game in Russia on 28 February.