Nick Nurse has vowed to take Brighton Bears back into Europe, despite another ULEB Cup defeat last night.

Bears went down 82-74 in a pulsating battle away to a Cholet team eyeing top spot in Group F.

The result means Bears have lost all five European games to date but they are learning lessons all the time, reflected in a considerable upturn in league form over recent weeks.

Nurse, the Bears coach and owner, said: "Whatever happens we have got to find a way to get a win and then we've got to build on that.

"We've got to fathom whether it is a personnel thing to make that next step up or whether it's experience but we are here to do that. This is not a one-time opportunity for the Brighton Bears.

"It would be a complete waste of time if we were to learn all these things and play this well to say, 'Everybody was right and English teams can't win in Europe.'

"A few years ago this team could not win games in the BBL. It's a long way to come because this is a big time level of basketball."

Bears' preparations were hit when former Orlando Magic forward Olumide Oyedeji pulled out of the tie less than an hour before tip-off.

The 6ft 10in Nigerian, who had agreed to play for Brighton for expenses only, had been advised not to risk injury or being cup-tied as he negotiates terms with a trio of European clubs.

They include Bears' ULEB Cup rivals Sopot as well as Skipper Bologna and Olimpia Ljublana.