Coventry Crusaders cruised to their fourth Conference win this season as they defeated a depleted and out-of-form Solent Stars.

Solent came to Coventry with only eight players, which was always going to be a disadvantage for lat year-s league runners-up.

The Stars scored the opening basket, a three pointer by Chris Harper, but after that the Crusaders never looked back.

By the end of the first quarter the Crusaders had taken a ten point lead.

Matt Collins had a hot shooting streak and sunk four consecutive three-pointers before the Stars got wise to him and tried to play him closer.  He ended up with five three-pointers on the night, and with a bundle of baskets and free throws  earned a new career high with the Crusaders of 29 points. 

Colin Rhooms also performed well in the first quarter, playing very tight defence on Harper and adding six points to the Crusaders 27 total.

In the second quarter Derrick Pope – named player of the month in the NBL Conference - and Collins again, were the main offensive threats for the Crusaders.

Eduard Girbal and Rhooms continued to play aggressive defence on Harper and by half time he still only had his seven points from the first quarter. At half time the Crusaders had increased their lead impressively to 16 with scores at 49-33.

The second half of the game was much the same as the first half.

Whenever the Crusaders began to really pull away, and the Stars found the motivation to fight back, even when down by as much as 20 points.

They were never allowed to pull any closer than seven, however. The Crusaders had all cylinders firing and produced a very good display at both ends of the court.

Toby Tripalin was high scorer for the Stars, with 27 points, scoring from all parts of the court.

Coach Dip Donaldson said:

"I was pleased with the way we moved the ball on offence, making an extra pass to find the open man against Solent's zone defence.

“Our defence was good, both as a team and individually. I want defence to be our trademark this season.

“It was good to have Dominic Davis back after being out several weeks with a back problem, and the other players back from injury did well too, even though some of them are still suffering somewhat.

“We are getting our act together. We've still got a way to go, but I am pleased with the progress we are all making."

Crusaders: Davis 2, Girbal 3, Scott 4, Livingston 6, Rhooms 12, Harrison 14, D. Pope 16, Collins 29