Short of players, Coventry Crusaders only gave Sutton half a game as they lost an encouraging half-time lead.

Just before the game Dominic Davis revealed that he would not be able to play because of back problems.

His continued absence, along with that of Matt Collins, meant the Crusaders were going to be hard pressed to keep going all game.

The team were also without head coach Dip Donaldson, who was with his family following the birth of his fifth son.

Captain Derrick Pope shouldered much of the responsibility, hitting three three-pointers and not missing a shot in the first half.

But the half time lead quickly evaporated as the Crusaders were out-scored 8-22 and 14-18 in the remaining quarters. T

The Crusaders had 20 turnovers, and missed free throws and easy shots that kept Sutton ahead during the second half.

Donaldson said the return to training this week will help the team to regroup.

He said:

“Anytime you have long spells without winning, you must look for the small things that will help you improve, one step at a time, and then playing one minute at a time.

“This is the key to moving forward. Sometimes players try too hard to help change things and then they forget about the basics of the sport, winning doesn’t just happen over night, neither does losing.”

Crusaders: Rhooms 8, Girbal 9, Sharland 4, Scott 8, Pope 20, Harrison 16

Pumas: Williams 2, Bayliss 2, Lloyd 9, Laws 13. Bristol 8, Hopper 7, Powlesland 20 Cook 11