BASKETBALL: Ian Marriott top scored with 18 points as Airedale Kidderminster Cobras defeated Shropshire Raiders 74-48 in a battle of two West Midlands Premier League strugglers.

Cobras were caught out defending too deep as two late three-pointers gave Raiders a 22-18 advantage at the end of the first period.

Mark Davis and Matt Law had earlier been in scoring form until Kidderminster's normally frugal defence struggled to thwart the visitors.

However, Cobras were full of purpose in the second quarter with Law, Marriott and Richard Miszkowski all looking lively.

Shropshire refused to crack under pressure though and out-scored the home side in the final four minutes to lead 35-34 at half-time.

Coach Terry Cash was keen to plug the defensive holes and wanted a victory to set up a strong finish to the season. And the home side came out with purpose to sink the first three baskets of the half to move 40-35 ahead.

Kidderminster's third-quarter defensive display was superb and they took a 10-point lead into the final 10 minutes.

Raiders cut the lead but the introduction of Roy Francis settled Cobras' nerves.

They punished their opponents with a 14-point blitz in the last three minutes with Gary Matthews grabbing seven quick points.

Law scored 14 points and Miszkowski managed 11 points.