Basketball: England held in Hungary

HUNGARY FENDED off England to win 91-75 and capture the sixth Pannon-DOX Tournament crown on home ground yesterday.

England, whose coach Laszlo Nameth once played for Hungary, faced a team featuring Chicago Bulls' David Kornel. Nameth did not have the full complement of leading players at his disposal, but the young players showed the coach that he will have a e talented squad for the next round of the European Championship semi-finals.

England led 22-18 midway through the first half before Hungary registered 14 points without reply. They held a 42-34 half-time advantage as Manchester Giants' guard Ronnie Baker buried a three at the buzzer to give his side hope.

After the break England hit consecutive three-pointers by Steve Hansell and Baker. Hansell cut the deficit to 49-42 with 17 minutes remaining but England were unable to thwart Hungary's attack.

John Amaechi, the England veteran who also aims to return to the NBA next season, reduced the arrears with a drive to the basket but Hungary then opened up a 60-40 lead. England stormed back and moved within four points of Hungary with six minutes left. That was the closest they got - Hungary reeled off 11 straight points to lead 80-65 with four minutes left.

England now travel to Poland in three weeks' time for two internationals.