Manchester Giants just got the better of the Brighton Bears with a narrow 72-74 victory at the Brighton Centre, to reserve their place in the NTL National Cup quarter-finals in two weeks. 

Two late free throws from England international Julius Joseph sealed the win for the Giants, despite the Bears threatening display down the stretch. Brighton posted a late 9-4 tear to take the lead 67-66, but it was not enough to win. 

The Giants' scoring was led by debutant Justin Phoenix, who scored a game-high 28 points, while Dave Wahl added 22 for Brighton.