Mark Dunning took encouragement from Brighton Bears' continued improvement despite a fourth successive defeat at the hands of London Leopards.

Bears' 72-86 reverse in their first game of the season at the Triangle, Burgess Hill, represented their narrowest defeat of the new British League campaign and they were in contention until their opponents produced a decisive 15-2 run in the third quarter.

Brighton have an opportunity to open their account at winless Edinburgh Rocks on Friday, before entertaining Manchester Giants in the National Cup at the Brighton Centre on Saturday and coach Dunning is taking a typically pragmatic approach.

He said: "I like the little bit of improvement we're showing each time we take the floor. We are obviously hoping we can improve enough to win the game at Edinburgh.

"We've got a young, inexperienced new team and it is very difficult to get 40 minutes of consistency. It is contributing to a poor start to the season and a record that we can do without.

"We have young guys just out of college and this is their first professional job. It is a bit daunting and they are getting used to the competition, their team mates and a higher standard of play."

Bears, who trailed 47-42 at the break before pulling it back to 55-54 midway through the third quarter, were punished for a lack of intensity at crucial times during the game.

They turned the ball over 28 times to 18, shot only 42.6 per cent from the floor while making just four three-pointers from 17 attempts. Dunning said: "Our offence is still faltering."

Bears co-captain Michael Brown said his team are determined not to increase pressure on themselves by focussing too much on their disappointing start.

He said: "We haven't won yet but it is a long season.

"To a certain extent the pressure is on, but once we get our first win we'll be on our way.

"We are improving in the right areas and with a young team that is what you need to see."

Brown praised the contribution former Sheffield Sharks All-Star Wilbur Johnson is making to the team.

Johnson, who averaged 12.76 points per game in the BBL last season and led Sharks in rebounding, hit 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against Leopards.

Visiting coach Bob Donewald believes Bears are fortunate to have such an accomplished player in their ranks.

Brighton Bears scorers: Johnson 19, Wallace 15, Brown 12, Bourdeau 10, Wahl 9, Seaman 5, Hildreth 2.

London Leopards scorers: Johnson 27, Kimbrough 14, Brown 14, Alderson 10, Robinson 10, Martin 6, Attewell 2, Moore 2, Alexander 1.