Brighton Bears believe a bit of homework can help them end a six-year jinx against old rivals Thames Valley Tigers tomorrow.

Bears visit Tigers' compact Bracknell court for a BBL Trophy tussle (6.30pm), just six days after losing by 13 points there in the Championship.

Tigers coasted home by 21 points at The Triangle in an early season contest and have won the last six clashes between the sides.

The jinx at Bracknell goes back even further. Bears have suffered 11 straight defeats there in Championship and Trophy going back to November 1995, when Worthing grabbed a 118-108 win.

Bears have had a week to prepare for their return trip and coach Nick Nurse believes that will make a difference.

He said: "They are a talented side but this is the first time I have had a chance to coach against them properly and prepare for the game."

Bears' previous setbacks were in Sunday clashes on the back of tough Saturday night tests by champions Leicester and table-topping Chester.

Nurse added: "One thing we have learned is we are not very good in back-to-back games. You can't prepare for a Sunday game when you are playing the night before.

"This time we have had a week to study the tapes, look at tactics and discuss different ways to attack and defend against them."

Nurse is unlikely to bring in new signing Rich Aigner at the expense of Wilbur Johnson or Michael Brown.

Johnson has yet to hit peak form but remains a key man inside for Bears while Brown's sheer tenacity and ability to relieve Randy Duck of some ball handling duties should keep him in the side.

Tigers chief Paul James was a man under pressure last term but his efforts in taking them to top of the southern conference have earnt him the coach-of-the-month prize for October.

Worthing Thunder get their NBL Conference season underway at Coventry Crusaders and coach Gary Smith said: "I'm just glad to get started."

It is Sussex derby day in division two south where Bognor Pirates host Brighton Cougars.