UNIVERSITY College Worcester's men's and women's basketball teams are aiming to become the best in Britain after winning through to the National Championship finals.

The men's team out-gunned Birmingham University 100 points to 74 to be among the final eight teams in the competition.

While the women's team made sure it was a double celebration after grinding out a 57 points to 52 win against Brunel University.

It is another feather in the cap for the men's team, who had already out-gunned Loughborough University 116 points to 54, to clinch the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) Northern Premier league for the first time.

Both UCW teams will now be aiming to win through to the finals in this three- day competition, being held at the Institute of Sport in Sheffield from Friday, March 4 until Sunday, March 6.

UCW's womens team will face Kings College London at the quarter- final stage -- the men's draw has yet to be made.

The overall winners will be able to match their ball skills against the best in Europe, with a chance to compete in the European Universities Championships in Poland up for grabs.

Director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "Considering the size of our University, to have both Worcester teams reach the finals stage is a fantastic achievement.

"It shows the strength and depth we are able to offer in sport here at the University College."