Steve Parillon today revealed the extra motivation for his top-scoring performance on Brighton Bears' big night.

Parillon, the athletic small forward from the British Virgin Islands, led the way with 24 points on his home debut as the high-energy Bears kept their nerve to see off much-fancied London Towers.

It was thrilling stuff for a decent-sized Brighton Centre crowd, though both teams will improve on this early-season affair.

For Parillon, there was the extra delight of proving his BBL credentials and putting one over an old aquaintance from the States.

Parillon spent last season with Worthing and Reading in the second tier of English basketball and his arrival at Brighton did not excite too many people around the league.

So far, though, he has shone and last night's effort saw him get the upper hand on fellow Henderson State University old boy Niki Arinze, a BBL veteran.

Parillon insisted: "I never doubted my potential. I played at a very good level in America and that has helped me.

"Me and Niki Arinze posted basically the same stats at Henderson State.

"We both had MVP honours and I played pick-up games against him.

"I arrived at Henderson State the year after him and played his spot.

"We had a little word going back and forth in the game.

"I'm just glad to get a win and please the home fans.

That's important because they are the ones who are going to be there for you all the time."

Bears coach Nick Nurse still has room for two Americans in his squad and has yet to field Lijah Perkins, the English power forward awaiting international clearance.

Perkins will give Andrew Alleyne help inside, which he needs on last night's evidence, and there is scope to improve Bears' three-point threat, which was no more than sporadic.

Their defence, though, was a joy to watch, their commitment and physical fitness impressive and they possessed an all-too-rare commodity in BBL basketball, the ability to produce their best stuff when it really mattered late on.

Rather than wilt when Chez Marks' seventh and last threepointer edged Towers 69-68 ahead with 5:18 to go, Bears found new strength.

Veteran knowhow was part of it. Corey Jackson, quiet until then, came up with some huge plays at either end, including his first three of the night to restore the lead.

Terrance McGee added an and-one, then McGee and Jackson both struck from outside the arc to open a nine-point lead which never looked like being relinquished.

Bears have been widely written off as title contenders and, while this win alone does make them prize winners, it gives them plenty to build on.

Nurse plans to bring in another big American this week and the result, the reaction from the crowd and many facets of the performance will have delighted him.

He said: "That's a huge win for us. I wanted us to play with more conviction offensively and we did that.

"I liked the pressure we put on. It wasn't great but it had its uses and we wore into them late on. We hit some big shots. It has taken Terrance a while but he finally stepped up and got to the rim where he is so strong.

"I thought Steve was great all night and the other guys did their bit.

"We will get stronger but we need to."

Towers expect their former Brighton MVP Rico Alderson to finally arrive this week, having been due in last Thursday, but they made the early running until Bears' up-tempo defence put them off their stride.

Damaija Stuart had a massive grin after hitting the three-pointer which put Bears ahead at 16-15 late in the first period and they were up by nine at half-time as Ronnie Baker drove to the rim and threw one of his circus shots over his right shoulder.

Towers used third-quarter runs of 7-0 and 15-2 to forge a 58-52 advantage but they lacked the killer instinct amply demonstrated by McGee.

And, with Baker and Daniel Hildreth finally face-guarding Marks, Bears took over at just the right time.

New boy Alfredo Ott gave a three-point masterclass as Worthing Thunder maintained their impressive start to the season.

Ott hit six of eight from outside the arc in just 19 minutes as Essex and Herts Leopards were gunned down 103-83 in the National Trophy.

Jon Woods had a good debut with 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in 17 minutes as Thunder dominated.

They were 30-15 up after ten minutes, led 58-33 at the half and were 30 clear in the third period.

Ott led the way with 22 points, Nick O'Harabe added 16 points and ten boards, Steve Gayle had 13 points and Steve Vear was close to a double-double with seven points and ten assists.

Errol Seaman led Leopards with 20 points and ten boards.

Brighton Bears 88, London Towers 80.