SOLENT Stars' men's second team kept in contention for the National League Division 3 East title and play-offs with a 76-57 victory over Brixton Topcats.

Two players made their debuts from Jimmie Guymon's successful under-18 team - 6ft 10in Joel Freeland and Liam Openshaw, while Liam Wyatt and Dave McKay returned to the team.

Solent started with a flurry, romping 21-7 up after just eight minutes with Clayton Milner and Jon Rumsey scoring good baskets and the whole team playing tough defence.

Brixton, with coach Jimmy Rodgers suspended for this game, took a while to get going but came back strongly in the second quarter, only allowing Solent to score two points in the first five minutes and winning the second quarter 19-16.

Mick Byrne had introduced Freeland into the game and he responded with two huge baskets and played some useful defence. Ryan Payne was off-colour in the quarter and Mike Peel came in to replace him and played well in both offence and defence.

McKay was always hustling in defence and Wyatt also contributed to the defensive effort.

In the third quarter Trevor Donaldson was on fire and then Openshaw came into the game and produced some electrifying basketball, huge steals and searing through passes for Ryan Payne to score.

The Brixton effort faded and Solent coach Mick Byrne was able to give some of his younger players a run-out.

Solent scores: Milner 18, Payne 13, McKay 9, Rumsey 9, Donaldson 8, Freeland 8, Rowe 4, Dawson 2, Openshaw 2, Chubb 2, Peel, Wyatt.