TABLE-TOPPING Solent Stars' second team were too good for struggling Swindon Sonics in an 85-66 National Basketball League Division 3 East victory.

Having travelled with only six players, Sonics started with a zone defence and their big man Sean Kent was prominent in the centre.

Subsequently Solent's prolific scorer Clayton Milner had difficulty finding room inside and failed to notch a single point in the first half, meaning everyone else had to step up their effort.

Trevor Donaldson took up the challenge, coming off the bench and setting the game alight with a devastating spell of six straight three-pointers, hoisting Stars into a 40-22 lead.

Swindon had to come out of their zone and, with Solent youngsters Craig Dawson, Liam Openshaw and Joel Freeland on court, Sonics narrowed the gap to 41-37 at half-time.

A ten-point burst at the start of the second half effectively sealed the game for Solent with baskets from Milner, Aung and back court general Ryan Payne.

Stars went into the last quarter with a healthy 17-point lead and used that breathing space to give some of their rookie players a chance to shine.

Lawrence Rowe showed promise, Paul Loosemore scored a three-pointer with his first touch and a big dunk from Joel Freeland sealed a very comfortable win.

Solent scorers: Donaldson 20, Payne 19, Milner 9, Wyatt 9, Aung 6, McKay 6, Loosemore 5, Rumsey 5, Freeland 3.