Coventry Crusaders were slow out of the blocks as they lost their fifth league game in a row.

Inter-Basket London grabbed an early 8-0 lead and held on to it until deep into the second quarter.

Crusaders captain Derrick Pope was the travelling side’s guiding light as he kept his team in the game with a flurry of baskets.

Edward Girbal, playing at point guard, ran into trouble early on by committing too many fouls, and the threat of being fouled-out of the game cramped his snappy style.

Instead, 16-yearold Nicholas Pope joined his father Derrick on court and took over the role, filling it with great aplomb and even managing to sink a three-pointer.

In the third quarter the two sides remained close, but the Crusaders never quite caught up again with the home side.

Marvin Harrison scored eight points in this period, getting numerous free throws because he was being fouled by the opponents.

Inter-Basket kept the pressure on, and continued to pull ahead and ended up with a 12 point win. London’s Ben Smart and Rodney Alexander teamed up to score 47 of their 83 points and at the end of the day were too much for Crusaders inconsistency on the night.

Donaldson said:

"It seems we can’t win without Matt Collins, I was hoping we could win a few while we wait for Collins’ return.

“We just have to do the best we can until he is fit again. I have not given up hope in the rest of the team. “

Manchester visit on 24 February, and a victory would help the Crusaders in the hunt for a good league position as the play-offs approach.

Crusader Scorers: N. Pope 3, Girbal  4, Davis 5, Sharland 5, Rhooms 7, Harrison 18, D. Pope 29

Inter-Basket Scorers: Olufeso 2, Ebanja 4, McCarthy 6, Lettieri 6, Bailey 14, Smart 23, Alexander 24