There is a mathematical chance of Solent squeezing into the play-offs this season - but only the most optimistic fans will expect them to win their last three games and Essex and Herts Leopards to lose their three.

Solent's first scalp will have to be Sheffield Arrows at Fleming Park, tomorrow (8pm), who are currently top of the league.

Stars lost the first fixture 76-85 in Sheffield, but gave one of their best performances of the season. They will have to excel in all departments when they face high-riding Sheffield who last weekend won the National Trophy when they defeated Worthing Thunder.

Sheffield also crushed Coventry Crusaders on the same weekend and they seem to be the form team now that London United lost to lowly Essex Leopards.

Solent will have their full squad available for the game, including Marlin Capers who recently had stitches removed after his injury against London Capitals.

To add to their concerns, Solent must now also be looking over their shoulders with Kingston Wildcats winning in overtime last weekend against London Capitals.

Paul Mundy-Castle figured in the top-scoring list for the second time for Kingston. Whether his recent addition will be enough for away victories at Manchester and Sheffield, their final two games, remains to be seen. However, two wins for them and none for Solent would condemn Solent to relegation.

On a brighter note, Solent's second men's team play their penultimate league game against Reading Rockets at Fleming Park tomorrow (6pm).

Solent still head the table and wins against Reading and away to Loughborough will give them the league title. The team has already qualified for the play-offs, which begin on April 2 , and must win their league to guarantee a home game.

Coach Mick Byrne has a full squad available with only the captain, Jon Rumsey, nursing a sore knee.

Solent's biggest basketball day of the season begins at 4pm, when the club hosts the men's Inter-Varsity game between Southampton Institute and Southampton University.

The students are providing not only the teams but also the entertainment around the game, including their troupe of cheerleaders.

The Institute start as favourites, as they did last year, but it is the University that holds the trophy having upset the form book in their last year's encounter.