Brighton Bears are raring to go in Europe again after another commanding win in the British League.

Bears thrashed lowly Leicester Riders at Loughborough University to stretch their unbeaten run in domestic competition to ten games.

The result means they continue to keep the pressure on champions and early-season leaders Sheffield Sharks, who were in action against Newcastle on Sunday.

All nine Bears players got at least 15 minutes of court time as they warmed up for Tuesday's ULEB Cup clash with Ionikos at the Triangle (8pm).

Assistant coach Pat Connelly said: "We played very well in the second half and it was really good match practice. Any time you win by almost 40 it gives you a great feeling but we know playing in Europe will be very different."

Bears led 24-14 at the quarter and 42-27 at the half before opening the third period with an 8-0 blast featuring three-pointers from Mike Brown and Rico Alderson.

Kendrick Warren hit 24 points in as many minutes on 11-for-16 field shooting to lead Bears home. Jason Siemon had a productive night with 16 points, five rebounds and six steals in a strong performance.

Alderson took 13 boards, Sullivan Phillips seven and Tom Frederick six, with Bears claiming 21 offensive rebounds in total.

Leicester coach Karl Brown had told his players beforehand that Bears were beatable, adding: "They are not the Los Angeles Lakers."

Connelly added: "The guys had some fun with the Lakers comment.

"Leicester had been playing well but we took the game to them on the fast break and played well in transition."

Mike Pegues led Riders with 26 points and 15 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Bears' next European opponents were enduring a tough afternoon in Greece.

Ionikos lost 91-68 at Makedonikos to slump to the bottom of the Greek league.

While that competition is vastly superior to its British counterpart, the troubles of the Athens-based club, who arrive in England today, will give Bears real hope they can score their first home win in the ULEB Cup and climb off the bottom of Group F.

Bears: Warren 24, Siemon 16, Williams 12, Alderson 11, Duck 9, Brown 9, Phillips 6, Frederick 6, Alleyne 4.