Basketball: Windless deflates Tigers to steer Rocks into semis

Tony Windless scored 16 points on his Scottish Rocks debut as they defeated Thames Valley Tigers 94-82 last night in Glasgow to join Brighton Bears, Milton Keynes Lions and Chester Jets in today's draw for the BBL Cup semi-finals.

Tony Windless scored 16 points on his Scottish Rocks debut as they defeated Thames Valley Tigers 94-82 last night in Glasgow to join Brighton Bears, Milton Keynes Lions and Chester Jets in today's draw for the BBL Cup semi-finals.

Rocks' coach Steve Swanson signed the BBL veteran Windless, a naturalised American, in the expectation of losing his 6ft 4in England international Julius Joseph, who scored 21 points in last night's game.

Joseph is on a short-term contract and wants to chase more lucrative terms on the Continent, where he has already played in the French and Belgian leagues.

Steve Lepore's three three-pointers in a 13-0 burst gave Brighton Bears a 29-12 lead over Plymouth Raiders on their way to a 73-68 win on Saturday night and a place in the semi-finals. Brighton had to withstand a strong fourth-quarter comeback from the Raiders.

Chester Jets reached the last four by beating Newcastle Eagles 85-79 last night, taking control with a 10-5 run to the buzzer as Trey Moore led their scorers with 23 points.

Milton Keynes Lions reached the semis after their 82-80 win over holders Sheffield Sharks on Friday night.

In the Championship, the leaders London Towers extended their unbeaten start to seven games and opened a four-point lead over Brighton and Chester with a 99-79 win over Milton Keynes. Louis Truscott scored 31 points and registered 20 rebounds for London.